ASSESMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE USE OF PESTICIDES AMONG SUPPLIERS, FARMERS AND CONSUMERS

Abstract

Insect pests are the major source of crop damage, yield and quality reduction in Pakistan and else where in the world. To overcome the insect pest problem, pesticide use in Pakistan has increased substantially which has now been further intensified. A response rate of (n = 50), (n=50) and (n=50) was achieved for suppliers, farmers and general community members respectively. Half of the participants possess poor knowledge of pesticides usage and handling. Furthermore, knowledge and attitude of the community participant were also found to be significantly correlated with each other. Majority of the farmers agreed that pesticides are a global problem and also hazardous to environment and health. Our study will provide effective assessment and potential insights in pesticides consumption thus promoting the other methods of pest control.