Farmer`s awareness and acceptance of biopesticides application for pest and disease management

Pesticides are widely used to boost agricultural production in Malaysia, ensuring high yields and quality produce. The present study aims to investigate Malaysian farmers' pest management practices and their willingness to adopt biopesticides. A nationwide survey was conducted from November 2020 to October 2021 using social media platforms, collecting responses from 268 farmers through a structured questionnaire. Key findings showed that 82%of respondents were aware of biopesticides, and 77% used them for pest management. However, barriers such as high costs (7%), lack of awareness (6%), doubts about effectiveness (5%), and limited market access (3%) has hindered broader adoption. Despite these challenges, 65% of respondents recognized the benefits of biopesticides, particularly their role in reduction of environmental impact and improved human health. The findings highlight significant oppornmities to promote biopesticides in Malaysian agriculture by addressing cost, and accessibility concerns through educational initiatives, policy support, and market development support. For instance, tailored educational programs could improve farmer awareness and confidence, while government incentives and streamlined regulatory processes could facilitate market growth. These findings underscores the potential of biopesticides to drive sustainable pest management practices, paving the way for innovative biological solutions in agriculture.