PESTICIDE USE PRACTICES AND RISK PERCEPTION AMONG FARMERS IN CHAKWAL DISTRICT, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Pesticides are used to eradicate pests and are advantageous for increasing crop yields. They do, however, pose serious threats to human health and the environment. Farmers are especially at risk since they come into intimate touch with these pesticides. Assessing farmers' pesticide use habits, risk perception, and the effects of pesticides on the environment and human health are the objectives of this study. Using a purposive sample, farmers from five tehsils in District Chakwal were chosen for a questionnaire survey. SPSS version 21 was utilized for the analysis of the gathered data. It is evident from findings that farmers who frequently overuse pesticides, without wearing personal protective equipment have resulted in several health problems. Professional training from agriculture extension departments and NGOs on the proper use of pesticides is essential to prevent risks.