ISSN: 2347-4688, Vol. 11, No.(3) 2023, pg.

928-939

Current Agriculture Research Journal

www.agriculturejournal.org

Socioeconomics Influencing Pesticide Management Practices

in the Tribal Area of Maharashtra
ASHISH ASHOK UIKEY1* and SHARVARI PATIL2

Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Nagpur (A Constituent of Symbiosis International

1

Deemed University, Pune) Maharashtra, India.

2
Department of Agri Business Management, MIMA Institute of Management, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract
The current study was carried out in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra,
India, where rice cultivation relies on pesticides. The study aims to identify
challenges faced by farmers in pesticide use and seeks input from farmers Article History
to develop strategies for rational pesticide use. The research explores Received: 17 August
farmers' behavior and perceptions regarding pesticide usage. It investigates 2023
socio-economic influences on buying behavior, the level of awareness Accepted: 25 December
about pesticide risks and safety measures, purchasing patterns, and 2023
promotional strategies employed by a pesticide company. Findings reveal
that while pesticides contribute to crop protection, farmers lack proper Keywords
knowledge about their safe use and potential risks. Lack of awareness and Agribusiness;
Agricultural Marketing;
affordability issues lead to improper application, impacting human health and Agribusiness
the environment. The study underscores the need for tailored educational Management;
programs to improve farmers' understanding of pesticides, emphasizing Agrochemicals;
Gadchiroli; Pesticides;
safe practices and optimal usage. Providing safety gear and measuring Rural Management;
containers, ensuring affordability, and strengthening the distribution Tribal Farmers.
network is a must. We highlighted the importance of integrated pesticide
management, involving scientific knowledge and traditional practices to
achieve sustainable agriculture. The current information contributes to the
development of effective strategies that align farmers' needs with
responsible pesticide use, ultimately supporting both farmer livelihoods and
environmental sustainability.

Introduction urban growth, and community development have

Agriculture plays a crucial role in providing food for led to a decline in the available land for agricultural
humanity. The expansion of the industrial sector, activities. The increasing reliance on high technology

CONTACT Ashish Ashok Uikey ashishashokuikey@gmail.com Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Nagpur
(A Constituent of Symbiosis International Deemed University, Pune) Maharashtra, India.

© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Enviro Research Publishers.

This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons license: Attribution 4.0 International (CC-BY).
Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.11.3.21

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 UIKEY & PATIL, Curr. Agri. Res., Vol. 11(3) 928-939 (2023) 929

and pesticides to boost crop productivity and meet has led to a decline in pesticide usage in the cotton
growing population demands has contributed to soil sector, while pesticide consumption in rice cultivation
damage. The use of chemical pesticides poses has shown a rising trend.11-12 According to the Food
hazardous effects to workers, who may not be fully and Agricultural Organization,13 farmers in Zimbabwe
aware of the dangers due to limited literacy levels.1 (43%), Mexico (25%), and India (23%) are
The remarkable surge in agricultural production can experiencing significant issues related to pesticide
be attributed to factors such as the utilization of crop poisoning from their farm work. The situation in
protection products, specifically pesticides to combat India's rice ecosystems is particularly noteworthy
pests, stands out as a significant driver.2 According due to several reported cases of pesticide poisoning.
to,3 multiple approaches have been devised to The concern about pesticide use in India’s rice
combat pests, such as host plant resistance, physical production is further supported by a recent report
barriers, botanical pesticides, biological control, from the Food Safety Standards Authority of India
biotechnological methods, and synthetic pesticides. (FSSAI), which analyzed 1177 rice samples. The
Among these strategies, chemically based report revealed that 256 samples (21.7%) exceeded
management is the most commonly employed the FSSAI's maximum residue level (MRL), raising
technique. Synthetic pesticides are favored for their serious concerns about clean production practices.
effectiveness in safeguarding crops, thereby Additionally, 65 rice samples (5.5%) were found to
ensuring abundant yields. Contemporary agricultural contain non-approved pesticides, leading to
practices have integrated pesticides as a crucial questions about farmers' awareness.14 The utilization
element in cultivating crops. These chemicals have of pesticides on agricultural farms frequently leads
given rise to significant issues, such as the to a range of health problems in humans. These
emergence of pest resistance, the decline of natural issues can vary from short to long-term effects, such
predators, environmental pollution, and adverse as mild to severe poisoning, respiratory complications,
effects on non-target species and human well- reproductive disorders, and genetic and neurological
being.4-5 Pesticides, a diverse group of substances, ailments.15-1 It is crucial to have a fundamental grasp
encompass insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, of farmers' actions and the different factors
rodenticides, molluscicides, and nematicides.6 They influencing their pesticide usage. This knowledge is
are widely acknowledged for their vital contribution vital for effectively devising, promoting, and
to agricultural progress as they help minimize executing widespread pesticide use policies. 16
agricultural product losses, enhance yields, and Farmers refrain from embracing possibly efficient
improve the affordability and quality of food.7-8 methods and practices, primarily because these
Unfortunately, the current practices are not only approaches do not align with their perceived or
harmful to users and consumers but also have actual needs, for such methods to gain wider
adverse effects on the environment. The excessive acceptance and have a significant impact,
and/or improper use of pesticides results in toxic it becomes crucial to tailor them to better suit the
substances that pollute the air, soil, and water and specific requirements of farmers.17 To achieve this,
in turn, negatively impact animals and humans. a key step is to gain a comprehensive understanding
Farmers primarily rely on the application of pesticides of how farmers perceive the agricultural challenges
as their primary strategy to safeguard crops against they face and the potential benefits of each
destructive insects and diseases, despite their suggested method in addressing those challenges.
efficacy in agriculture, these substances also bring Urgent attention must be given to evaluating
detrimental consequences for the environment and pesticide usage's effects on both the general
human health, as noted by.9 To fulfill the United population and the environment, particularly in
Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of developing nations. By doing so, we can ensure
eliminating hunger, it is essential to boost rice sustainable and responsible agricultural practices
production through modern and sustainable that not only optimize productivity but also safeguard
agricultural practices. Consequently, the utilization human health and the ecosystem. According to.18
of pesticides to safeguard rice crops becomes an employing appropriate protective measures and
unavoidable necessity. Approximately 90% of the maintaining good personal hygiene are considered
pesticides in India are employed in cultivating rice, essential guidelines for safely applying pesticides,
cotton, and vegetables.10 The advent of Bt cotton the proper utilization of pesticides plays a crucial

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 UIKEY & PATIL, Curr. Agri. Res., Vol. 11(3) 928-939 (2023) 930

role in minimizing environmental contamination and study conducted by19 in a Southern Indian village,
the risk of acute or chronic pesticide poisoning in farmers' practices and perceptions regarding
agricultural areas.19 highlighted that implementing pesticide usage were examined. The research found
protective measures during and after pesticide that a significant number of farmers used sticks and
application is highly effective in minimizing health bare hands to mix pesticides. Almost all farmers
risks for farmers, these measures play a crucial role claimed to wash their hands with soap post-handling
in safeguarding the well-being of agricultural workers pesticides. About three-fourths of the farmers were
and contribute significantly to sustainable farming aware of the need for protective equipment (PPEs)
practices.2 Conducted a study in Bangladesh with which is the most commonly used safety gear. Hand
917 farmers and found that among vegetable pumps were the primary method for pesticide
growers, a majority were well aware of the harmful application among 77% of farmers. Pesticide storage
effects of pesticides on agricultural product quality, practices varied, with some storing it inside their
the environment, and human health. This awareness houses. Disposal methods also varied, with many
was less clear among rice and mixed crop growers, farmers disposing of used containers in open fields.
who were only well informed about the harm to the The study revealed that washing equipment outside
environment. In the North, most farmers lacked the house resulted in pesticide residues draining into
awareness of pesticide harm to agricultural products the soil, and some farmers washed their equipment
and human health but were aware of its environmental near water bodies, contributing to pollution in canals
impact. Conversely, farmers in the South were well and drainage systems.
informed about the harmful effects. In the South-
East, most farmers were well informed about Overusing and misusing pesticides by farmers and
pesticide harm across all aspects, while in the South- agriculturalists can have severe consequences,
West, information varied. Most crop growers were leading to sickness and even death. Lack of
knowledgeable about why pesticides are banned, knowledge about their proper use and the potential
and the majority understood that reducing pesticide risks exacerbates the problem. Two types of toxicity
use could improve the environment and income. are associated with pesticide misuse: acute toxicity,
There were differing opinions on whether increased which can quickly cause death unless immediate
pesticide use affects product prices, with vegetable medical attention is provided, and chronic toxicity,
farmers showing clearer views than rice and mixed which gradually affects the body, leading to ailments
crop growers. The North and South-East regions like headaches and cancer. This issue not only
had contrasting opinions on this matter, while the impacts users but also affects others living in the
other two regions had mixed views.9 conducted a pesticide-laden environment, disrupting ecological
study in Tu Ky district, Hai Duong province of balance, and causing insecticide resistance, leading
Vietnam, which revealed significant issues regarding to the spread of pests and diseases. The intense use
farmers' awareness and habits concerning pesticide of chemical substances in agriculture has resulted
use. The study found that only 12% of farmers in in a decline in bee populations. Long-term effects
vegetable production communities understood the include chemical contamination of the environment
toxicity information on pesticide labels. Merely and food sources, ultimately impacting human health
9-12% of farmers followed the correct principles for across generations. Economically, this misuse
pesticide use, and a small number knew the list of leads to losses due to safety ignorance and lack of
banned pesticides. Farmers' post-spraying activities awareness.
also demonstrated limited awareness, with a vast
majority (94.5%) spraying all chemicals and not This research encompasses various objectives
taking proper hygiene measures. In the vegetable aimed at gaining comprehensive insights into
production commune, 51.5% rinsed their mouth and the farmers' behavior and perceptions regarding
13.5% used eye drops after pesticide application, pesticide usage in the study area. (1) It aimed
while these numbers decreased to 41 and 11% in to analyze the socio-economics of farmers to
An Thanh commune, respectively. These practices understand their financial status and how they
have led to adverse impacts on farmers' health and influence their choices. (2) The study assessed the
the environment due to pesticide exposure. In a level of awareness among farmers about pesticide

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 UIKEY & PATIL, Curr. Agri. Res., Vol. 11(3) 928-939 (2023) 931

usage, including potential risks and safety measures. Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. We employed a
(3) It focused on understanding the purchasing total of 150 farmers who were selected using a multi-
patterns of farmers concerning pesticides, which stage sampling approach. The Gadchiroli district was
can offer valuable information for agrochemical purposely selected as a study area. Subsequently,
companies. (4) The research aimed to explore three out of the twelve talukas in the district were
the promotional strategies adopted by companies randomly chosen for the study. Within each selected
to reach farmers effectively. (5) The study aimed taluka, five villages were randomly selected. From
to identify the challenges and obstacles faced by each village, ten farmers were randomly chosen to
farmers when buying and using pesticides. (6) The participate in the study, resulting in a sample size of
study highlighted the potential barriers to the rational 150 farmers. The data was collected at a single point
and safe use of pesticides. (7) The research will in time, making it a cross-sectional study design.
actively seek input and suggestions from farmers
themselves on developing strategies for the rational The choice of a descriptive cross-sectional research
use of pesticides. By engaging with the farming design allowed the researcher to capture a snapshot
community directly, the study aimed to develop more of the farmers' buying behavior and usage patterns
effective and sustainable approaches to pesticide concerning the company's pesticide products, as
management. The outcomes of this research could well as the promotional strategies employed by
prove invaluable in understanding farmers' risk the company. By using multi-stage sampling, the
perceptions related to unsafe pesticide practices, researcher ensured that samples were representative
potentially helping predict and mitigate adverse of the broader population of farmers in the Gadchiroli
health effects. These findings can then be utilized district. The structured interview schedule facilitated
to design targeted agricultural extension programs the systematic collection of data from the selected
that emphasize the safe and responsible use of farmers, enabling the researcher to analyze and
pesticides. The study holds significant potential to compare their responses. The cross-sectional nature
contribute positively to both farmer livelihoods and of the data collection further enabled the researcher
environmental sustainability in the study area and to gain insights into the current situation without the
beyond. need to track participants over an extended period,
which could have been more resource-intensive
Materials and Methods and time-consuming. Through this methodological
A descriptive cross-sectional research design was approach, the researcher aimed to provide valuable
adopted to investigate the buying behavior and information to the pesticide company to improve its
usage patterns of farmers and the promotional marketing strategies and better cater to the needs
strategies employed by a pesticide company in the of farmers in the study area.

Table 1: Demographic profile of the farmers

Characteristics Options (N=150) Percentages (%)

Age 21 to 35 years 28 18.67

36 to 50 years 82 54.67
Above 50 years 40 26.66
Education Illiterate 32 21.53
Highschool 84 56.0
SSC (10th) 22 14.67
HSC (12th) 12 8.0
Annual Income < 1 Lakh 48 32.0
1 – 2 Lakhs 91 60.67
2 – 4 Lakhs 11 7.33
Above 4 Lakhs 0 0

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 UIKEY & PATIL, Curr. Agri. Res., Vol. 11(3) 928-939 (2023) 932

Results 12th standard. The age distribution of the farmers

Simple statistics such as Percentages, Averages, revealed that 54.67% fell in the age group of 36 to
Rankings, etc. were used to analyze data. Other 50 years, signifying the prevalence of middle-aged
parameters were measured with the help of a four- farmers in the region. The next largest group was
point scale ranging from 1 (Least Important), 2 farmers above 50 years, accounting for 26.66% of
(Important), 3 (Very Important), and 4 (Most Important). the sample. Farmers aged between 21 to 35 years
represented 18.67% of the participants. Regarding
Table 1 shows that a total of 150 farmers were their annual income, almost half of the farmers
selected for this study. It was found that 21.53% (49.90%) earned less than 1 lakh rupees. The
of the interviewed farmers were illiterate, while next substantial segment, comprising 32.7% of the
56% had completed their high school education. farmers, had an income ranging between 1 to 2
14.67% had education up to the 10th standard, lakhs. A smaller proportion, 17.40% of the farmers,
and 8% had completed their education up to the reported an annual income between 2 to 4 lakhs.

Table 2: Land holding, source of irrigation and crops cultivated by the farmers

Characteristics Options (N=150) Percentages (%)

Land Holding < 1 ha (Marginal) 10 6.67

1 – 2 ha (Small) 57 38.0
2 – 4 ha (Semi Medium) 72 48.0
4 – 10 ha (Medium) 11 7.33
10 ha > (Large) 0 0
Source of Irrigation Well 27 18.0
Tubewell 4 2.67
Canal 25 16.66
Unirrigated 94 62.67
Cultivated Crops Paddy only 90 60.0
Paddy + Maize 11 7.33
Paddy + Cotton 49 32.67

Table 2 shows that, after conducting an assessment Meanwhile, 16.66% obtained their water from
of the land holdings, sources of irrigation, and crops canals, potentially benefiting from a shared irrigation
cultivated by the farmers, the results reveal some system. A mere 2.67% had tubewells, providing them
interesting trends. The majority of the farmers (58%) with a more modern and efficient irrigation method.
were categorized as marginal, indicating that they As for the crops cultivated, it was observed that a
owned relatively small plots of land. Following this majority of the farmers focused solely on cultivating
group, 18.90% fell into the semi-medium category, Paddy. This could be due to regional preferences,
signifying a slightly larger landholding, while 14.10% market demands, or the suitability of the land for
were classified as medium, suggesting that they Paddy cultivation. It's essential to note that 32.67%
possessed more substantial agricultural lands. adopted a diversified approach, cultivating both
A small portion (9%) of the farmers belonged to Paddy and Cotton. This suggests a level of risk
the large landholding category. When it comes management and income diversification in their
to sources of irrigation, 62.67% of farmers faced agricultural practices. 7.33% opted for a combination
challenges as they had no access to any formal of Paddy and Maize cultivation, indicating another
source of irrigation. This could have implications for group exploring crop diversification to potentially
their crop productivity and overall livelihood. On the improve their income and mitigate risks associated
other hand, 18% relied on wells, indicating that they with mono-cropping.
were more fortunate to have a private water source.

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 UIKEY & PATIL, Curr. Agri. Res., Vol. 11(3) 928-939 (2023) 933

Table 3: Pesticides used by the farmers

Parameters (N=150) Percentages (%)

Insecticides only 150/150 100

Insecticides + Herbicides 118/150 78.67
Insecticides + Herbicides + Fungicides 19/150 12.67

Table 3 shows that, among the farmers who and Fungicides to safeguard their crops. This data
participated in the survey, it was found that indicates that Insecticides are widely adopted
every single one of them used Insecticides among the farmers surveyed, while a considerable
exclusively to protect their crops. Additionally, a portion also recognizes the benefits of combining
substantial proportion, specifically 78.67% of the Insecticides with Herbicides. Moreover, a notable
respondents, relied on a combination of Insecticides subset of farmers believes in the added protection
and Herbicides for their agricultural practices. offered by using a combination of Insecticides,
Furthermore, a smaller percentage, precisely Herbicides, and Fungicides to ensure the health and
12.67%, utilized a more comprehensive approach by productivity of their crops.
employing a combination of Insecticides, Herbicides,

Table 4: Type of herbicide used by the farmers

Parameters (N=150) Percentages (%)

Pre emergence only 0 0

Post-emergence only 100 66.67
Pre and Post emergence both 18 12
Not using herbicide 32 21.33
Total 150 100

Table 4 shows that the survey focused on farmers Table 5 shows that 68% adhered to the suggested
and their herbicide practices. It was found that the guidelines for pesticide application, while the
majority of the participants, 66.67%, solely relied on remaining 32% did not follow the recommended
Post-emergence herbicides. On the other hand, a method. An encouraging fact is that all farmers,
smaller portion (12% ) utilized both Pre and Post- without exception, used face coverings while
emergence herbicides in their farming routines. applying pesticides, indicating a widespread
21.33% reported not using any herbicides at all, awareness of safety measures. Remarkably, 100%
suggesting alternative farming methods or integrated reported not experiencing any health problems
pest management strategies. These results shed after using pesticides, suggesting that proper
light on the prevalence of Post-emergence herbicides protective measures were taken. All of them were
among farmers, indicating their preference for this well aware of the harmful effects of pesticides on
type of treatment in managing weeds. It also the environment and human health, demonstrating
highlights a significant proportion of farmers who a high level of knowledge among the farming
choose to combine both Pre and Post-emergence community regarding the potential risks associated
herbicides, possibly to ensure comprehensive weed with pesticide usage. Another positive aspect is
control throughout various stages of crop growth. that every farmer washed their hands with soap
The notable segment of farmers not using any and water after applying pesticides, illustrating
herbicides raises questions about their reasons and a responsible approach to mitigate any potential
the potential ecological impact of their practices. contamination.20 discovered contrasting outcomes

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 UIKEY & PATIL, Curr. Agri. Res., Vol. 11(3) 928-939 (2023) 934

compared to our study, they discovered that most lacked full awareness of the dangers associated
of the farmers who were interviewed acknowledged with insecticides. The observations concerning
that they do not implement any safety precautions the adoption of appropriate safety and protective
except for using cloth to cover their mouth and nose measures for insecticide application practices were
while spraying pesticides. They revealed that while rather disappointing.
farmers expressed interest in pest control, they

Table 5: Questions about the awareness of the farmers regarding pesticide usage

Questions Options (N=150) Percentages (%)

Do respondents follow the recommended Yes 102 68

method of pesticides application No 48 32
Face cover used by the respondents Yes 150 100
while using pesticides No 0 0
Any health issues experienced by Yes 0 0
respondents after using pesticides No 150 100
Thoughts of respondents on the Harmful 150 100
harmfulness of pesticides to the Not Harmful 0 0
environment & human health
Washing of hands by the respondents Soap and Water 150 100
after using pesticides
Water only 0 0
Not washing 0 0

Table 6: Importance of information source of pesticides for the farmers

Parameters MI (4) VI (3) I (2) LI (1) Score Mean Rank

Advice of Dealer -78 -54 -10 -8 502 3.35 1

312 162 20 8
Peer's Experience -52 -42 -36 -20 426 2.84 3
208 126 72 20
Demonstration -58 -39 -31 -22 433 2.89 2
232 117 62 22
Pamphlets -5 -35 -39 -71 274 1.83 6
20 105 78 71
Newspaper Advertisement -5 -35 -39 -70 276 1.84 5
20 105 78 70
TV Commercials -38 -36 -24 -53 358 2.39 4
152 108 48 53

LI - Least Important; I - Important; VI - Very Important; MI - Most Important

Table 6 shows that the advice provided by dealers peers in the farming community stood as another
emerged as the foremost and pivotal source of valuable avenue for gathering insights about
information when it came to knowledge about pesticide usage. Television commercials played a
pesticides. This was closely trailed by the significance notable role, as they reached a wide audience and
of demonstrations, where farmers could witness the contributed to farmers' awareness about various
practical application of pesticides, thereby enhancing pesticide products. Newspaper advertisements also
their understanding. The experiences shared by their played a role in this regard, albeit to a somewhat

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 UIKEY & PATIL, Curr. Agri. Res., Vol. 11(3) 928-939 (2023) 935

lesser extent, as they allowed farmers to access products. However, it's interesting to observe that
written information about different pesticide options. while all these sources contributed to farmers'
The distribution of pamphlets also played a modest understanding of pesticides, the advice provided
role in imparting knowledge about pesticides to by dealers remained the most influential, perhaps
farmers. These compact informational materials owing to the direct and personalized nature of this
often contained essential guidelines, safety interaction.
precautions, and details about various pesticide

Table 7: Purchase behaviour of pesticides by the farmers

Parameters Options (N=150) Percentages (%)

Time of Purchase of Pesticides After the occurrence of a 129 86

pest/disease
As preventive measure 21 14
Alternate Purchase Plan for Wait for the required one 55 36.67
Pesticides Go for alternative 95 63.33

Table 7 shows that, among the examined farmers, yielded different results compared to our present
a significant proportion of them opted to purchase study, their findings indicated that the majority of
pesticides after the occurrence of pest/disease, farmers displayed a propensity to use insecticides
whereas a few of the farmers chose to purchase even before witnessing any significant damage
pesticides as a preventive measure to prevent pest caused by pests in their crops. This tendency was
infestations. The majority of the farmers chose characterized by their consistent application of
to go for an alternative brand of pesticides and pesticides throughout the entirety of the crop season,
1/3rd of the farmers chose to wait for the required a practice that extended to the harvesting phase.
one. Interestingly, the research conducted by20

Table 8: Factors affecting the purchasing of pesticides by farmers

Parameters MI (4) VI (3) I (2) LI (1) Score Mean Rank

Brand -51 -41 -32 -26 417 2.78 4

204 123 64 26
Price -67 -48 -27 -8 474 3.16 1
268 144 54 8
Prior Experience -60 -44 -38 -8 456 3.04 2
240 132 76 8
Availability -56 -41 -33 -20 433 2.89 3
224 123 66 20

LI - Least Important; I - Important; VI - Very Important; MI - Most Important

Table 8 shows that the primary determinant role, with farmers considering the price as a crucial
influencing the decision to purchase pesticides was factor. Their past experiences with pesticides, the
the price of the pesticide itself. This was followed ease of obtaining the products, and their trust in
in significance by factors such as the farmers' prior specific brands also contributed to their decision-
experience with pesticides, the availability of the making process when it came to purchasing
required pesticides, and the brand. The financial pesticides for their agricultural needs.
aspect of pesticide procurement played a pivotal

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 UIKEY & PATIL, Curr. Agri. Res., Vol. 11(3) 928-939 (2023) 936

Table 9: Importance of promotional strategies adopted by the company

Parameters MI (4) VI (3) I (2) L (1) Score Mean Rank

Farmers Meeting -64 -39 -28 -19 448 2.99 2

256 117 56 19
Field Visits/ Demonstrations -70 -42 -30 -8 474 3.16 1
280 126 60 8
TV Commercials -56 -37 -22 -35 409 2.76 4
224 111 44 35
Pamphlets -52 -36 -33 -29 411 2.74 5
208 108 66 29
Newspaper Advertisements -51 -34 -32 -33 403 2.69 6
204 102 64 33
Jeep Campaigns -60 -37 -27 -26 431 2.87 3
240 111 54 26

LI - Least Important; I - Important; VI - Very Important; MI - Most Important

Table 9 shows that the farmers held Field visits/ demonstrations, signifying the effectiveness
demonstrations in the highest regard as the primary of hands-on experiences in conveying product
promotional approach employed by the company. information. The survey illuminated the diversified
This was closely trailed by Farmers' meetings, marketing channels employed by the company,
Jeep campaigns, TV commercials, as well as ranging from traditional methods like Newspaper
the distribution of Pamphlets and Newspaper advertisements to more contemporary approaches
advertisements. The farmers' preferences indicated like TV commercials, showcasing a well-rounded
a strong inclination towards experiential learning promotional strategy that caters to a broad spectrum
and interactive sessions, such as field visits and of farmer preferences and demographics.

Table 10: Constraints faced by the farmers while buying pesticides

Parameters Options (N=150) Percentages (%)

While buying the Pesticides High cost 94 62.67

Low efficacy 56 37.33
While using the Pesticides Unawareness about usage 103 68.67
Fear of poisoning 47 31.33

Table 10 shows that, when purchasing pesticides, align with a study carried out by,20 which highlighted
approximately one-third of the farmers included in that farmers display a strong inclination towards
the survey reported encountering issues with the procuring insecticides that are not only reasonably
effectiveness of the pesticides in managing pest priced but also easily accessible. This suggests
infestations. For the remaining farmers, the primary that there is a clear demand within the farming
concern revolved around the high cost associated community for cost-effective and easily attainable
with pesticides. Interestingly, a significant number pest control solutions. It underscores the importance
of farmers lacked proper knowledge regarding the of addressing these issues to better assist farmers
proper usage of pesticides, and a minority of them in effectively managing pests while considering their
even expressed concerns about the potential toxicity financial limitations and apprehensions related to
and risks of pesticide exposure. These findings pesticide usage.

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 UIKEY & PATIL, Curr. Agri. Res., Vol. 11(3) 928-939 (2023) 937

Discussion promoting responsible practices. (4) Addressing

All farmers surveyed in the study were men, affordability concerns by maintaining competitive
as farming activities especially those related to pricing for pesticides, which can be instrumental in
pesticide use are performed exclusively by men in encouraging their rational and sustainable utilization.
the area. The findings highlight the predominant These suggestions collectively underscore the
crop, Paddy, in the study area and its potential for importance of an integrated approach to pesticide
paddy-specific pesticides. The results suggested management, considering factors that contribute to
the need for a focused approach towards product efficacy, safety, and accessibility for all stakeholders
development and sales promotion activities tailored involved.
to this crop. It was observed that farmers showed
a preference for post-emergence herbicides and There are several promising directions for future
systemic insecticides, indicating a lack of awareness research in this area. To mitigate bias, researchers
about the benefits of pre-emergence herbicides could explore mixed-method approaches, combining
and contact insecticides. Thus, the company's field self-reported data with observations or market
officers should concentrate on raising awareness analyses. Longitudinal studies could be employed
about these products among farmers, considering to track farmer buying behavior over an extended
that farmers rely heavily on dealer recommendations period, capturing the dynamic changes that occur.
when making purchases. Ensuring timely availability Conducting similar studies in diverse geographical
of the products in the market is crucial, as the settings could provide a more comprehensive
unavailability of the company's products led to understanding of the factors influencing farmer
farmers resorting to alternative options, resulting purchasing decisions across different contexts.
in switching costs for the company. The study
advocates for intensified field visits, demonstrations, Conclusion
and farmers' meetings as effective promotional A comprehensive investigation was conducted in the
strategies. To boost pesticide sales, the paper Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, delving into the
proposes the continuous incentivization and support local agricultural landscape. The predominant crops
of distributors and dealers through improved cultivated in the Gadchiroli district encompassed
margins, leisure tours, and training programs. Paddy, Cotton, and Maize, with Paddy emerging as
To strengthen market penetration and maintain the foremost crop under cultivation. We unveiled
healthy relationships with distributors, the company that farmers exhibited a limited understanding
should proactively address farmers' concerns at the of pesticides and lacked awareness regarding
field level, employing market development officers as Integrated Pest Management, along with an
well as company officers. The research underscores incomplete grasp of the repercussions stemming
the significance of tailoring marketing strategies, from pesticide utilization in specific crops. Farmers
enhancing product awareness, and fostering strong perceived a noticeable uptick in pest severity over
distributor relations to maximize sales potential and the years, which consequently led to a heightened
support sustainable agricultural practices in the demand for larger quantities of pesticides to
study area. effectively manage the issue. We underscored the
substantial expenditure associated with pesticide
21
Suggested that the way farmers perceive risks usage, particularly in the paddy and cotton crops
could be influenced by their understanding of and the findings emphasized that the majority of
pesticides. The farmers' suggestions encompass a farmers procured pesticides through distributors
range of practical and pertinent recommendations. or dealers. Financial constraints loomed as a
(1) Ensuring safety measures, such as providing significant impediment during pesticide purchases,
safety gear along with pesticides can significantly whereas a lack of awareness about proper pesticide
enhance the protection of users. (2) The usage application posed a significant challenge during
of measuring containers with pesticides can aid usage. The immediate impact of practical knowledge
in precise and controlled application. (3) Offering on pesticide application underscores the paramount
comprehensive guidance on pesticide usage from importance of hands-on expertise over theoretical
both sellers and company field officers is crucial for understanding. Practical knowledge, intertwined with

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 UIKEY & PATIL, Curr. Agri. Res., Vol. 11(3) 928-939 (2023) 938

skills, aims to enhance overall efficiency. Educational This entails seamlessly integrating scientific
and training institutions focusing on agriculture knowledge with traditional pest management
should prioritize bolstering farmers' comprehension practices employed by farmers, thus fostering a
of pesticides. This should encompass critical aspects harmonious and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
such as the optimal preharvest interval for pesticides,
appropriate dosage, pesticide toxicity thresholds, Acknowledgement
ideal application timing, and frequency of use. It is The author would like to thank, Symbiosis Centre
strongly recommended that the state's agricultural for Management Studies, Nagpur (A Constituent of
extension department take an active role in promoting Symbiosis International Deemed University, Pune)
modern pesticide technologies and disseminating Maharashtra, India. for their guidance and support
information about recommended dosages, novel to complete this article.
compounds, and active ingredients suitable for rice
crops. Embracing such an approach will inevitably Funding
lead to an improved pesticide application process The author(s) received no financial support for the
with minimal repercussions for farmers' health and research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
the environment. The implementation of well-suited
policy initiatives becomes imperative to ensure the Conflict of Interest
judicious utilization of pesticides in rice cultivation. There is no conflict of interest.

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