Residual effects of pesticides on human health as perceived by farmers in Tehsil Faisalabad Sadar, Punjab, Pakistan.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to check the farmer’s perception regarding use of chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides) in vegetables and its effects on human health in peri urban areas of tehsil Faisalabad Saddar. Instead of using organic matter, there is highly preference of fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and rodenticides in order to achieve the high yield and green revolution. Study Design: Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Setting: Institute of Agricultural Extension & Rural Development, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Period: September 2017 to August 2019. Material & Methods: Sample size comprises 128 respondents. From two peri-urban union councils (4 villages, vegetables growing) were selected purposively. While 32 farmers were selected from each village. A pre-tested and well-structured interview schedule was developed for data collection. Result: The results indicated that various diseases were present among farmers due to use of chemicals and residual effects. The diseases were chest pain, damage of liver, diarrhea, dizziness, eye irritation, sleeplessness, dryness of throat, shortness of breath, swelling of skin, fever, hypertension, tiredness and stomach disturbance. Pearson correlation coefficient shows significant and positive relation between age of the respondents and diseases they had P<0.05. More than half 56.3% of the respondents knew that ground water becomes contaminated by the use of chemicals. A vast majority 90.6% of the respondents used to avoid storing of pesticides, fungicides and weedicides. Results also indicated that diseases and adoption of precautionary measures were directly related with lack of awareness. Conclusion: There is dire need to start campaigns through media regarding awareness about harmful effects of residues on human health and organic farming should be preferred over chemicals.