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Department of Entomology, ANGRAU-S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati-517 502.
Rice farmers in Andhra Pradesh rely substantially on chemical pesticides for management of insect pests and diseases.
A survey of 120 farmers from 24 villages across Krishna, NTR, Kakinada and East Godavari districts during rabi 2025–26 documented pesticide-use patterns, application practices and farmers’ knowledge. Pymetrozine (91.66%), triflumezopyrim (83.33%), tetraniliprole (79.16%), bifenthrin (74.16%) and acephate (70.83%) were the major insecticides, while azoxystrobin + tebuconazole (91.66%), tricyclazole (83.33%) and thifluzamide (80.66%) were the dominant fungicides. Calendar-based spraying and pesticide mixtures were common. Awareness of recommended pesticides, safe handling, residue management and personal protective equipment was limited. The study highlights the need for stronger extension services and integrated pest management.
KEYWORDS: Farmers’ knowledge, pesticide use, perception, pesticide safety, rice.