A study on knowledge and constraints in adoption of botanical pesticides

Abstract

Green revolution in our country, while ushering in the much needed self-sufficiency in food production also paved way for intensive use of harmful chemical pesticides. Excessive and indiscriminate use of these chemicals played havoc with our agro ecosystems caused numerous problems and hazards to man and his environment besides inducing resistance in insects and undesirable residues in the food stuff. One of the best alternative methods of approach to pest control is achieved by replacing the chemical pesticides by products derived from plants. These plant products also known as botanical pesticides being non persistent and biodegradable contribute admirably to the preservation of ecosystem. A study was conducted in Kanyakumari district to find out the knowledge of botanical pesticides. The data were collected from 120 farmers. More than half of the respondents were found with medium level of knowledge on botanical pesticides. More than two-thirds (66.66 per cent) of the paddy farmers had knowledge about controlling the diseases through application of neem products. The occupational status showed a positive and significant relationship with extent of knowledge.