A Knowledge, Agricultural Practices, Health and Management Survey Related to Pesticide Applications in Peach Orchards of Swat, Malakand
A Knowledge, Agricultural Practices, Health and Management Survey Related to Pesticide Applications in Peach Orchards of Swat, Malakand
Shazia Akhtar1, Abdul Samad1*, Afshan Gohar1, Muhammad Munir Shahid2, Muhammad Ishtiaq1, Arslan Sarwer1, Adnan Khan1 and Karam Ahad1
ABSTRACT
As an initial part of a program aimed at development of pesticides residues monitoring system in Pakistan, a semi-structured questionnaire survey consisting of 40 sub questions was evaluated by interviewing the peach growers in Swat, Malakand. The current survey described the knowledge, behavior, agricultural practices and pesticides toxicity symptoms among the field workers. Over all 72 orchards from 26 Union Councils were covered. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 21 and sample collection points were presented on map by using software Arc GIS. The response of interviewers was high which indicates their intentions to facilitate the present study. It was found that 12 varieties of peachs are being grown in the selected area. A total 28 pesticides were found which are being used on peach trees. It was noted during the survey that 98.6% respondents were unaware when to apply pesticides and they apply them on all growth stages of peach tree. Moreover, exposure to pesticides occur from skin absorption and through inhalation. This emphasizes on the launching of extension programs on pesticide alternatives. It is concluded that field workers in Swat Malakand, extensively uses pesticides and in spite of their awareness about pesticides effects their protective measures are very poor. The low level of awareness in the study area and the public health and environmental consequences resulting from the misuse of pesticides is alarming. Proper training is required to handle the pesticides for farmers in peach orchards of Swat, Malakand Division. There should also be monitoring of the health status of farm workers.
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