DETERMINANTS OF PESTICIDE USE AND RISK PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOUR IN CAULIFLOWER PRODUCTION

Abstract

Increasing demand for food and the diminishing agricultural land has resulted in farmers putting great efforts to increase crop yields by using more fertilizer and pesticides. Pesticide use in agricultural production has, however, produced undesirable effects on human health and the environment. The study was conducted to examine the determinants of pesticide use and risk protective behaviour in cauliflower production in some selected areas of Bogura district in Bangladesh. Besides, attempt had given to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the cauliflower farmers, to identify the factors that significantly influence farmers use of pesticides in cauliflower production, to compare the use of pesticides among cauliflower farmers and investigate the comparison of risk protective behaviour among cauliflower farmers. Two upazilas called Shibganj and Shahjahanpur under the Bogura districts was selected purposively for the study on the basis of extensive cauliflower production. Simple sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 99 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Multiple linear regression coefficients of contributing determinants related to the determinants of pesticide use in cauliflower. Results indicated that safety behaviors in pesticide use were inadequate, particularly in majority of the farmers were overusing insecticides, fungicides and herbicide. The majority of the farmers (54) did not use mask as a result of low education levels, high cost and low availability. Due to their low levels of education, high costs, and lack of access, the majority of farmers (58) did not know about pesticide toxicity. Findings from the Multiple linear regression coefficients model estimation indicated that use of NPK and Highest education level of family are significant at 5% level and plot size is significant at 1% level and significantly influenced the amount of pesticide usage. In order to allow correct pesticide usage for improved livelihoods and environmental protection, the study advised the implementation of risk protective measure, safety training programs and suitable extension services. In terms of public policy, developing and executing targeted interventions aiming at the limit of detrimental consequences of excessive pesticide use on human health and the environment.