Paddy farmers’ knowledge, perception, and satisfaction on the use of farm machinery in Nepal (Published)
Agricultural mechanization refers to the use of different power sources as well as enhanced farm tools and equipment to decrease human and draught animal labor, improve cropping intensity, precision, and timeliness of crop input usage, and reduce losses at various phases of crop production. This research tried to assess paddy farmers’ knowledge, views, and contentment with the use of agricultural machinery in the districts of Jhapa, Kapilbastu, and Kailali using a multistage purposive sample technique. The survey research method was used for the investigation. Descriptive statistics and properly constructed scales were used to analyze the data. According to the findings, respondents had only a hazy understanding (0.50) of the critical roles of agricultural machinery in rice production. The total amount of machinery on hand is moderate (0.43). The most frequent piece of machinery possessed by respondents was a tractor (0.65), followed by a knapsack sprayer (0.61). Over one fourth of the respondents (0.28) had a good image of agricultural machinery and were satisfied with its use (0.4). While respondents indicated a high amount of restriction (0.7) when it came to utilizing agricultural machinery. As a result, adopting a varied range of farm machinery should be seen positively in order to increase the commercialization of paddy farming. Farmers would be more inclined to use farm machinery if farm machinery information and skills were spread, as well as supported with grants.
Keywords: Adoption, Agriculture, Knowledge, Perception, Satisfaction, farm machinery, paddy
Perception of Health Hazards Associated With Agro-Chemicals Use among Arable Crop Farmers’ In Mubi Agricultural Zone, Adamawa State, Nigeria (Published)
Unsafe use and handling of agro-chemicals among Nigerian farmers continue to constitute health hazards and environmental degradation. The study investigated respondents’ socio-economic characteristics; agro-chemicals use; awareness of safety practices; information sources and perception of health hazards in agro-chemicals use. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 251 respondents. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentages and correlation. Respondents’ mean age was 40 years; 68.1% were male; 70.1% were married; and 69.9% had 1-5 persons per household. Most respondents (48.6%) attained only primary school, 69.8% had farming experience of ≥10 year, 96.3% used agrochemicals, 74.5% were unaware of safety precautions and 43.4% perceived agrochemical use as hazardous. Farm associates/friends and radio were the most used information sources. Perception of health hazards in agrochemicals use was positively correlated to educational attainment(r=-0.82), farming experience(r=0.35), age(r=0.20) and household size(r=0.16). Agricultural extension outfits/agents should educate farmers on safe use of agrochemicals.
Keywords: Arable Crop Farmers and Agro-chemicals, Health Hazards, Perception
Perception of Health Hazards Associated With Agro-Chemicals Use among Arable Crop Farmers’ In Mubi Agricultural Zone, Adamawa State, Nigeria (Published)
Unsafe use and handling of agro-chemicals among Nigerian farmers continue to constitute health hazards and environmental degradation. The study investigated respondents’ socio-economic characteristics; agro-chemicals use; awareness of safety practices; information sources and perception of health hazards in agro-chemicals use. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 251 respondents. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentages and correlation. Respondents’ mean age was 40 years; 68.1% were male; 70.1% were married; and 69.9% had 1-5 persons per household. Most respondents (48.6%) attained only primary school, 69.8% had farming experience of ≥10 year, 96.3% used agrochemicals, 74.5% were unaware of safety precautions and 43.4% perceived agrochemical use as hazardous. Farm associates/friends and radio were the most used information sources. Perception of health hazards in agrochemicals use was positively correlated to educational attainment(r=-0.82), farming experience(r=0.35), age(r=0.20) and household size(r=0.16). Agricultural extension outfits/agents should educate farmers on safe use of agrochemicals.
Keywords: Arable Crop Farmers and Agro-chemicals, Health Hazards, Perception