A cross sectional survey of knowledge, attitude and practices related to the use of insecticides among farmers in industrial triangle of Punjab, Pakistan

Pesticides in Pakistan are abundantly utilized for pest control in agriculture sector. The over and unsafe use of insecticides plus poor handling leads to the development of resistance, outbreak of secondary pests and hazardous impact on environment. The present study was aimed to access the current knowledge, attitude and common practices of farmers about the use of insecticides against pest in industrial triangle of Province Punjab, Pakistan. This study was conducted during October 2019 to February 2020. In this study farmers (n = 300) took part from three localities of Province Punjab (Gujrat, Gujranwala and Sialkot). Farmers were interviewed using a questionnaire to collect data about the knowledge of pest control by use of chemical method, biological method and combination of both to eradicate the pests. The result shows almost all (93%) farmers were male and they did not know about the insecticides mode of action and its chemical composition. They do not have any knowledge about the biological control of pests and did not get any assistance or help from Agriculture Extension Officer. They even did not properly dispose off the empty containers of insecticides. Statistical analysis reveals that lack of education and awareness about biological control of pest depicts development of resistance and outbreak of secondary pest including health hazards and environmental pollution. Poor understanding about pests, abundant use of insecticides, incorrect perception about application of insecticides and negligence regarding biological control shows that there is need to initiate public awareness programs to ensure the application of integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agriculture.