Abstract:
Farmers are working extremely hard to boost crop yields by using more pesticides and
fertilizer as a result of the rising global demand for food and the shrinking amount of
arable land. But using pesticides in agriculture has had unfavorable repercussions on
the environment and human health. The study was conducted to examine the
determinants of pesticide use and risk protective behaviour in brinjal production in
some selected areas of Bogura district in Bangladesh. Besides, attempt had given to
describe the socio-economic characteristics of the brinjal farmers, to identify the factors
that significantly influence farmers use of pesticides in brinjal production, to compare
the use of pesticides among brinjal farmers and investigate the comparison of risk
protective behaviour among brinjal farmers. Two upazilas called Shibganj and
Shahjahanpur under the Bogura districts was selected purposively for the study on the
basis of extensive brinjal production. Simple sampling procedure was used to select a
sample of 102 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Multiple
linear regression coefficients of contributing determinants related to the determinants
of pesticide use in brinjal. 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 (40) 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 (34) did not know
about pesticide toxicity. Findings from the Multiple linear regression coefficients model
estimation indicated that use of NPK and plot size are significant at 1% level and
experience, highest education level of the family and family size are significant at 5%
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 measures, safety training programs
and suitable extension services. In terms of public policy, developing and executing
targeted interventions aiming at encouraging the limit of detrimental consequences of
excessive pesticide use on human health and the environment.
Description:
A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Agricultural Statistics, Sher-e-Bangla
Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS
