USE OF PESTICIDES IN VEGETABLE FARMS AND ITS IMPACT ON HEATH OF FARMERS AND ENVIRONMENT Nepal

Irrational use of pesticides is increasingly threatening our ecosystem, health and environment. This study investigated the use of pesticides in vegetable farms and its impact on health and environment. Three contrasting sites under three sub-districts where vegetable production were common were considered for this study. From each sub-district 60 farmers who had been using pesticides application for growing vegetables were selected randomly. Findings reveal that the use of pesticides in vegetable farms was higher and frequent. Higher doses of pesticides were used in the high cropping intensity areas and doses of application were positively increasing for all three categories of cropping intensities. Yearly increase of pesticides use was around 1-2% among the study sites. Most of the farmers knew the importance of taking protective measure during pesticides application. However, 85-90% of farmers were not accustomed to take any protection during pesticide application as well as preservation and transportation. People aged 21-40 years were relatively highly exposed to pesticide poisoning. This study found that selection of pesticide, dosage and mode of application were based on agro-chemicals dealers’ suggestion. During pesticide use, farmers felt burning sensation of skin, breathing problem, itching, and dizziness and burning in their eyes. Around 27% perceived that fish had been reducing and water pollution occurred due to wash-out of agrochemicals from agricultural farms. Intensive awareness training of farmers on safety measures regarding application of pesticides and its rational use is necessary to avoid potential health and environmental hazards.