Vol. 10, Special Issue 12 (2021)

Author(s):
M Nagulananthan, G Ravi, N Balakrishnan and D Lenin Raja

Abstract:
A survey was conducted in four districts of Southern Tamil Nadu Viz. Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari and Tenkasi during the year 2020-2021 to know the pesticide use behavior of the farmers mainly relies on pesticides as a key component in pest management. For the study, 50 farmers were identified through local pesticide suppliers. The socio-economic status of the target farmers revealed 32 per cent of them are of the 40 to 50 age group and 36per cent of them are middle age group (30 to 40 years) and 92 per cent of them are from the nuclear family system. Yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (92%) and chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis (88%) as a regular pest. The Gram caterpillar, Helicoverpa armigera (84%), Tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (54%) and green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (46%) were also pest constraints in this region. Regarding pesticide use 14 insecticides belonging to organophosphate, synthetic pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, diamide groups are used either alone or as tank mix combination. Awareness on pesticide use and safe handling of pesticides indicated around 56 per cent of chilli farmers were aware of the recommended pesticide. About 64 per cent of the farmers use pesticides cocktail spray through tank mix. The measuring cap supplied with pesticide containers is used by 96 per cent of farmers for insecticide measurement and 4 per cent uses pesticide approximately. The commonly used spray appliances in this area are power sprayer. The majority of the farmers get technical guidance for their filed pest problem from local dealers (66%) and 24 per cent of them consult either extension officials for pesticide prescription. The study indicates an urgent need for creating awareness among this pesticide intense farmer to have sensible use of pesticide form minimizing pesticide residue preserving the chilli ecosystem.