Pesticide Poisoning Among Commercial Vegetable Farmers of Chitwan, Nepal

Abstract

Pesticide use in Nepal has increased by 10%-20% annually, and the proportion of vegetable growers using pesticides in Nepal has also increased from 7. 1% (1991/1992) to 16.1% (2001/2002), thereby increasing the chances of pesticide poisoning among farmers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four Village Development Committees of Chitwan to determine the adverse health effects of pesticide among 125 commercial vegetable farmers. It was observed that 71% of them were found to be affected after spraying. Farmers experienced 3 poisoning symptoms out of 12. The most common symptoms experienced were skin irritation (62%) and headache (55%). In spite of poisoning, 82% stayed idle, whereas 18% either took self-medication or sought medical attention. Although a majority of the farmers suffered from pesticide poisoning, most of them did not seek medical assistance. Hence, there is an immediate need for promoting education for the farmers about the identification and treatment of poisoning along with its possible prevention.