Behavioural Changes Due to Pesticide Application Among the Farmers of Permanent Food Production Parkin Selangor
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Date
2016-11-14
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Abstract
Pesticide has been considered a very important component in modern agriculture to ensure the
production of high productivity. But at the same time, there is much evidence to show that there is
danger faced directly and indirectly as a result of the use of these chemicals on human health and the
environment. Many efforts have been initiated by the government to increase the awareness of farmers
on the side effects of these chemicals and to maximize the benefits of these pesticides to ensure
minimal risk to humans and the environment. The objective of this study was to examine the behaviour
of farmers using pesticides in the farms of the Permanent Food Production Park in Selangor. The study
was conducted by questionnaire. Data collection was carried out on 350 farmers of the Permanent
Food Production Park covering the whole state of Selangor. The analysis found that nearly half or
47.5% of farmers experienced symptoms of intoxication, dizziness and nausea after using the
pesticides while 23.8% of farmers experienced symptoms of dizziness. About 17.6% of the farmers
experienced irritation to the skin. Slightly more than half the farmers (58.8%) sent their empty pesticide
containers to the collection site. The rest of the farmers disposed off their pesticide containers the
unsafe way by dumping them indiscriminately into canals, streams and drains. Some threw them in their
own backyards, save for other use, sell, burn and also throwing them into the regular garbage dump.
The safest way is for the farmers to send them to the collection site to be disposed off in a secure way
by the relevant authorities. Of the 12 locations conducted in the Permanent Food Production Park, only
one location showed that the farmers there practiced safe pesticide handling at a low level while in the
other 11 locations the farmers there on average practiced safe pesticide handling at a moderate level.
This indicates that the farmers on average practiced safe pesticide handling at a moderate level with
none practising at a high level. The analysis also revealed that only 57.0% of the farmers attended
pesticide safety courses. This study is expected to assist the Department of Agriculture in formulating
appropriate interventions to ensure that the farmers practice safe pesticide use in a sustainable manner
as practiced internationally