A study of chemical use behaviors of farmers in Ongkharak district, Nakhon Nayok province, Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the chemical use behaviors of farmers in Ongkharak district, Nakhon Nayok province. This was a phenomenal study using qualitative methodologies. Data were collected from 100 farmers by the rapid rural appraisal (RRA.) technique using semi-structure interviews (SSI.) and content analysis. The Ongkharak district is a flat area with 19 agricultural chemical shops. The periods of the farmers’ use of agricultural chemicals range from 5 - 25 years. The objective of the farmers’ use of chemicals was to give high income from rice production. There were 2 patterns of chemical use: 1) for weed control, and 2) for pest management. The farmers used 17 chemicals and 14 further groups of chemical ingredients. For each cycle of crop production, they would spray chemicals about 6-7 times. The behaviors of farmers using chemicals: 1) they hoped to get high yield to create high income; 2) their perceptions were that they had experience in chemical use; 3) chemical use was promoted. The farmers used chemicals to control weeds and pests. However, they were worried and scared about chemical use. The 3 side effects of chemical use were: the health of farmers, the environmental effects, and the socio-economic effects. After the study, there were recommendations on 5 aspects: 1) developmentof the chemical issue, 2) strategies, 3) farmers, 4) education, and 5) the environment.