Farmers' participatory research on rodent control in Punjab state Survey, education, impact assessment and sustainability
Neena, S. Bhupinder, K.B.; Jaswinder Kaur
Crop Protection 34(none): 25-31
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0261-2194 DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2011.11.022Document Number: 382262
Survey of farmers from ten villages of districts Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Sangrur in Punjab (India) from 2 1 to 28 9 revealed that farmers knowledge, general attitude and rodent control practices were similar across villages. Overall, 6. 1.% farmers were found conducting rodent control operations mostly using zinc phosphide without pre-baiting. Farmers (6. 8.%) used to conduct rodent control only at maturity stages of crops when rodents exhibit frequent visible movement and inflict extensive damage. After survey, farmers were educated and motivated to conduct rodent control operations as per recommendations. Post-implementation survey of farmers revealed varied level of adoption for different control practices in different villages. Farmers started conducting rodent control operations in an integrated way and used both zinc phosphide and bromadiolone baits (82. 1.%). Damage census revealed comparatively less damage to wheat (Triticum aestivunL.) and rice (Oryza sativaL.) crops in villages where education along with free rodenticide baits were provided to the farmers compared to the areas where neither rodenticide baits nor education was imparted. Survey of 2 3 farmers of two villages where training had been previously conducted revealed that the impact remains only while farmers are given free rodenticide baits along with education and field demonstrations. Once this practice is stopped, the use of integrated practices decreased. From the present investigation, it is concluded that a thorough education of the farmers along with the distribution of rodenticide baits at regular intervals is a pre-requisite for successful planning of the community programme in rodent control.
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