Knowledge, attitude and practices on potato pest management of ethnic farmers in southern Shan state, Myanmar

Abstract

Potato is cultivated as the main tuber crop which is essential for ethnic farmers’ household income in Southern Shan State, Myanmar. Most ethnic farmers use chemical pesticides widely to enhance crop yield and to control pests in the farm. The use of chemical pesticides could lead to a series of health impacts of the farmers and environmental issues. The main aim of the study is to explore farmers’ knowledge, attitude and current farm practices on pest management in potato production. The participants of 100 farmers were chosen from each village with a cluster and purposive sampling technique using structured questionnaires to collect the data from a village in Kalaw Township. The finding showed that 72% of farmers use only chemical pesticides due to more effective and only 28% of the farmers used chemical and alternative methods. In the result, 15% of the Taung Yo ethnic farmers, 5% of the Pa-O, and 8% of the Danu are used alternative pest control methods (biological, physical and cultural pest control method). Physical and mechanical method is one of the most applied methods for the ethnic farmers in potato production. Most farmers received training from pesticide companies’ staff and whereas only 3% received information from governmental officials. Half of the farmers have moderate knowledge level on pest management. Most farmers have low attitude on biological and physical pest control methods in the study area. Marital status, type of farmland, farm experience and other crops plantation were significantly related to pest control methods in potato crop production. This study will help extension workers to provide appropriate training and improve farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practices of pest control management for the highland crop.