Farmer Perspectives and Usage Patterns of Insecticides in Chilli Cultivation in Bhabhar Region of Uttarakhand, India

A comprehensive field survey was conducted across seven blocks viz., Jaspur, Kashipur, Bajpur, Gadarpur, Rudrapur, Sitarganj and Khatima of Udham Singh Nagar district in Uttarakhand to assess chilli cultivation practices, pest incidence, and farmer knowledge regarding pest management and pesticide safety. The study revealed that most farmers were marginal cultivators, with 66 % growing chilli on less than 0.5 acres. Thrips and other insect pests, including root grubs, tobacco caterpillars, and pod borers, posed significant threats, with 56.29 % of farmers reporting damage from non-thrips insects. Leaf curling assessments showed no immune chilli varieties, and over 41 % of crops were classified as susceptible to thrips, especially in areas with intensive cultivation and pesticide use. Thrips primarily affected growing shoots and older leaves, while fruit and stem damage were less prevalent. Most farmers relied on formal sources such as university experts and agricultural departments for plant protection advice, although regional disparities existed. Chemical mixing was widely practiced (75.14%), and 72.28 % of farmers applied two or more pesticide sprays per crop, often at 5- to 10-day intervals. While 83.14 % of farmers used protective clothing during spraying, 15.43 % still prepared spray solutions with bare hands, and only half were aware of CIBRC guidelines. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated pest management, development of resistant varieties, safety education, and enhanced regulatory outreach to ensure sustainable and safe chilli cultivation in the region.