Pesticide use pattern and awareness of pesticides users with special reference to potato growers in Nepal

This study was carried out from September, 2008 to May, 2009 to explore awareness of pesticide users in special reference to potato growers on pesticide safety labels, pesticide handling and application practices that might potentially expose them to chemical hazards. Data was based on a stratified random sample of 471 pesticide practitioners (potato growers, field workers, extension officers, and pesticide dealers) across Nepal’s’ major potato production zones using structured interview schedules. This paper presents social characteristics, understanding of labels and pictograms on pesticide packages, source, preparation, and storage of pesticides, disposal of pesticide containers, practitioners’ preventative measures and understanding of WHO classes of pesticides among farmers, technicians, pesticide dealers and cooperatives. Awareness level of pesticide users is comparatively low in Nepal and it should be improved by providing safe alternatives of chemical pesticides and by implementing awareness raising programs.