Constraints faced by cotton growers in following pesticides use, care, and pest management practices

Cotton farming accounts for over 55% of India’s pesticide use, causing environmental, health, and economic challenges. Despite a 53% reduction in pesticide use through Integrated Pest Management (IPM), adoption remains inconsistent. The present study was conducted in Warora and Bhadravati taluks of Chandrapur district of Maharashtra during the year 2023-24 with a sample size of 140 cotton growers. The objective to measure the ‘Personal, Socio-economic and psychological characteristics of the Cotton Growers and constraints faced by Cotton growers in pesticides use, care and pest management practices and suggestions given by them’. An ex-post facto design of social research was used. From present study it was found that, most of the cotton growers were in the 36 - 53 years age group, most of them were educated up to higher secondary education, belonged to medium size of family, had medium level of farming experience, had marginal land holding, had medium income level, had medium level of source of information, had medium level of extension contact, had medium level of social participation, had medium scientific orientation. Cotton growers faced several challenges, including high costs of labor, pesticides, and equipment, along with inadequate training on improved cultivation practices. They struggled to distinguish between harmful and beneficial insects and faced limited availability of bio-pesticides, pheromone traps, and trichocards. Many were unaware of pesticide hazards, the importance of safety gear, and lacked knowledge of equipment usage, repair, and maintenance. Additionally, they had poor understanding of pesticide doses, chemical properties, and application methods. The investigation revealed respondents' suggestions for improving pesticide care practices among cotton growers. Key recommendations included timely provision of affordable plant protection appliances and inputs, training on advanced cultivation practices, and government support in identifying and conserving beneficial insects. Respondents highlighted the need for local availability of bio-pesticides, pheromone traps, and trichocards, along with education on pesticide hazards and the use of protective gear like masks and aprons. They also emphasized training on equipment usage, repair, maintenance, and guidance on selecting appropriate pesticides and their dosages. These measures aim to enhance safe and effective pesticide management.