Farmers’ Perception on Environmental Degradation Due to Indiscriminate Use of Modern Practices: A Case Study from Madurai District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

In this study, we attempted to assess the awareness and perception of farmers on the environmental degradation due to modern input usage in paddy cultivation in Southern Tamil Nadu. The two-stage random sampling procedure was followed to select the sample farmers and 66 farmers were surveyed in Vadipatti Taluk located on Periyar-Vaigai irrigation system in Tamil Nadu. The paired comparison technique was used to measure the level of awareness on the environmental problems and Tobit regression function was employed to identify the determinants of environmental awareness level. The results of the study revealed that only 23 per cent of the farmers were highly aware about the environmental degradation created by the indiscriminate application of modern inputs. Reduction in soil fertility, population size of soil micro-organism and earth worms were the well-known negative effects in the study region. Experience, education and extension contact were the major factors determining the perception and awareness about environmental degradation.

Perception of Farmers on Handling Pesticide and Adoption of Ipm in West Rukum of Nepal

“…The difference in the perception of the farmers regarding the impact of pesticides may be due to differences in the level of education and general awareness. This is also in line with the findings (Umanath et al, 2016).…”

Drivers of Farmers' Perception of the Environmental Externalities of Cotton Production Practices in Benin: A Tobit Analysis

“…De même au niveau de la santé, les risques sanitaires auxquels font face les producteurs sont entre autre le picotement de la peau, les maux de tête, les vertiges.Les effets sur la flore sont également perceptibles à travers le recul du couvert végétal se traduisant par la déforestation, les risques climatiques que les producteurs associent à la destruction de la végétation et la disparition de certaines plantes médicinales. Au niveau de la faune, les producteurs mentionnent la baisse des produits de chasse et la disparition de certains animaux.Ces résultats confirment les travaux de Rahman et al, (2003) ; Gongnimbou (2010) ; Abdollahzadeh et al, (2015) ; Umanath et al, (2016) ; Jallow et al, (2017) qui ont montré que les producteurs perçoivent plus les impacts qui sont plus visibles au niveau de leur exploitation et dont dépend leur bien-être. Par ailleurs, ils expliquent le faible niveau de perception sur les ressources en eau et l'air par le faible niveau d'éducation des producteurs et la faible explosion aux messages d'hygiène et de santé.…”

Responsible agricultural inputs marketing: a key to save environment

“…But while making use of these inputs in farms the technical aspects have taken a back seat and environmental issues are emerged. If the credits of pesticides include enhanced economic potential in terms of increased production of food and fiber, and amelioration of vector-borne diseases, then their debits have resulted in serious health implications to man and his environment (Day, 2016 andBhardwaj andSharma, 2013).The farmers are not aware about the environmental degradation created by the indiscriminate application of modern inputs (Umanath et al, 2016).…”

“…Experience, education and extension contact are the major determinants of higher level of awareness of negative impacts on ecosystem due to application of modern inputs of chemical fertilizers and pesticides (Umanath, et al, 2016). Input companies must organize farmer training programs, which will help to create a platform to communicate farmers about the negative impact of excessive use of inputs in farm.…”