Safe use and handling of pesticides in agriculture

摘要

Pesticides form the main stay for the control of pests of food, fiber and public health. However, all pesticides are poisonous and during field application, farmers and spray operators are exposed to them, putting their health and safety at risk. It is essential, therefore that pesticides should be used judiciously, taking care to ensure the safety of the people who use them. However, many farmers and spray operators do not take enough care either because of their unawareness about the safety precautions required or because of inadequate importance given by them to these precautions. In fact chemical control is still the only effective method of controlling most pests despite intensive research into alternative methods is in progress. More than 90 per cent of pesticides are applied as sprays, Pesticide input cost can be saved by following an efficient pesticide application technology. To derive maximum benefit from these pesticides, it is necessary to understand the proper ways of their application so as to achieve favourable benefit/risk ratio.