Knowledge of Pesticide Use Among Bangladeshi Vegetable Growers: Consequences for Environmental Integrity, Farmer Health, and Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Pesticides are extensively used in Bangladeshi vegetable production to control pests 
and diseases with little consideration for their impact on the environment and human 
health, despite the presence of various laws and regulations pertaining to pesticide 
management. Given this, the research examined pesticide usage practices, knowledge, 
behaviour, and inclination as well as the impacts of these chemicals on the environment 
and the health of farmers. The study community used a questionnaire survey, focus 
group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) to collect data. 
Graphical displays of the health effect were made using the Statistical Package for the 
Social Sciences (SPSS). Additionally, a likelihood ratio test was used to look at 
relationships between health problems and factors including education, training level, 
frequency of pesticide usage, and protective covers. According to the results, 60% of 
farmers use pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides on a daily or weekly basis without 
taking the necessary precautions, and 68% rely more on their own experiences and other 
farmers' advice than on Bangladeshi laws. Harvesting sometimes occurs two to five 
days following pesticide treatment, especially for plants like long beans and eggplant, 
which may cause health issues including diarrhoea, headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal 
problems, and skin diseases. Overuse of pesticides contaminates water and lowers soil 
fertility, both of which have a detrimental effect on the environment. To address these 
issues, it is essential to strengthen farmer education and awareness programs, such as 
neighborhood-based initiatives like Uthan Boithok, and promote organic and 
sustainable farming practices that support the responsible use of pesticides while 
safeguarding farmer health and the environment.