The profile and knowledge of pesticides of growers from Abaetetuba (PA)

Abstract

Inadequate application of phytosanitary products in agricultural production can be the result of a number of factors, from the low level of education of the applicators to the lack of training regarding the correct application of chemical pesticides. Thus, this work explored the reality of a group olericulture producers in Colônia Nova, community of Abaetetuba (PA). The methodology organized the data based on responses to a questionnaire, with structured and closed questions answered by rural owners in order to help trace the profile of pesticide applicators at that location. Among the results obtained, there was a low level of education among producers and the production of crops of condiment and leafy plants, led by scallions, cabbage, lettuce and chicory. Among the categories of pesticides used by farmers, insecticides were the most used, followed by fungicides and herbicides. No interviewed owner participated in any training for specific work with pesticides and they were also unaware of any institution that could carry out this type of training. An on-site assessment revealed that, in relation to the use of PPE, with the exception of gloves and waterproof boots, the other items were just ordinary, everyday clothes, inappropriate for this activity. Therefore, this research demonstrated the difficulty faced by the farmers of Colônia Nova, mainly due to the low level of education that prevented them from knowing the safety and legal aspects regarding the use of agricultural pesticides, the triple washing and the correct destination of empty pesticide packaging.