Awareness levels of rice growers about the harmful effects of agrochemicals on health and environment

Abstract

This study assessed the awareness levels of rice farmers regarding the harmful effects of agrochemicals on health and the environment in the Chhattisgarh plains. A sample of 320 respondents from 8 blocks was surveyed in 2023-24. The findings showed that 45.00 per cent of respondents recognized agrochemical-induced allergies in humans, and 51.56 per cent identified behavioural changes in animals as a risk. The majority was aware of water contamination (75.00%) and soil contamination (80.94%) due to agrochemicals. In terms of pest management, 90.94 per cent recognized stem borer, 97.81per cent knew about rice blast disease, and 97.81 per cent identified nut grass as a weed. Among IPM practices, the highest awareness was for deep summer ploughing (82.19%) and the removal of pest-infested plant parts (99.06%). For insecticides, 76.88 per cent were aware of Acephate 75% SP, and for herbicides, 90.31 per cent knew of Pendimethalin 30% EC. Carbendazim 50% WP was the most recognized fungicide (58.13%). The study also found 34.69 per cent awareness of cancer risks from pesticide misuse. Overall, 67.50 per cent of respondents had medium awareness of IPM practices.