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Effects of Using Chemicals and Hormones for Cultivation and Marketing of
Vegetables and Banana
Final Report CF # 14/07
By
Mohammad Hossain Bhuiyan, Principal InvestigatorMd Sekender Ali, Co-Investigator
Department of Agricultural Extension & Information System Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University
andMohammad Mainuddin Molla, Co-Investigator
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute
July 2009
This study was carried out with the support of the
National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme
1
This study was financed under the Research Grants Scheme (RGS) of the National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme (NFPCSP). The purpose of the RGS was to assist in improving research and dialogue within civil society so as to inform and enrich the implementation of the National Food Policy. The NFPCSP is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU), Ministry of Food and Disaster Management with the financial support of EU and USAID.
The designation and presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO nor of the NFPCSP, Government of Bangladesh, EU or USAID and reflects the sole opinions and views of the authors who are fully responsible for the contents, findings and recommendations of this report.
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The study was conducted to find out the effect of using chemicals and hormones for
cultivation and marketing of vegetables and banana based on farmers', wholesalers and
consumers' perception and chemical analysis in BARI laboratories. Data were
collected from purposively selected 150 vegetable farmers and 150 banana farmers of
Narsingdi, Gazipur and Tangail districts. Data were also collected from all the
vegetable and banana wholesalers nearer to the selected farmers' villages and
purposively selected 100 consumers of Dhaka city during the period from January to
June 2008.
Findings revealed that farmers of the study areas used mainly urea, TSP, MP, Zn and S
fertilizers for vegetable cultivation. All (100%) the vegetable farmers used urea
compared to 98.7% and 96% of them used TSP and MP fertilizers respectively. Only
16% and 26.7% farmers used Zn and S fertilizers respectively for vegetable
cultivation. Most (80%) of them were high users (used >100% of the recommended
doses) of urea compared to 3.3% and 16.7% low (used <50% of the recommended
doses) and medium users (used >50% to <100% of the recommended doses)
respectively. About two-thirds (64.7%) of the farmers were high users of TSP
compared to 5.3% and 28.7% being low and medium users respectively. Only 1.3% of
the farmers used no TSP fertilizer. Majority (56.7%) of the farmers were high users of
MP compared to 12.7% and 26.7% low and medium users respectively. Only 4.0% of
the farmers used no MP fertilizers. In case of Zn fertilizer, an overwhelming majority
(84%) of the farmers were non users compared to 9.3%, 5.3% and 1.3% low, medium
and high users respectively. About three-fourths (73.3%) of the farmers did not use any
S fertilizers compared to 14.7%, 9.3% and 2.7% being low, medium and high users
respectively. Overall findings revealed that an overwhelming majority (86.7%) of the
farmers used medium to high chemical fertilizers like urea, TSP, MP, Zn and S for
vegetables cultivation.
For banana cultivation, farmers used mainly urea, TSP, MP, Zn, S and boron
fertilizers. All (100%) the banana farmers used urea compared to 99.3% using TSP and
MP fertilizers. Only 33.3%, 26% and 4% farmers used Zn, S and boron fertilizers
respectively for banana cultivation. Almost all (96%) of them were the high users of
urea. Almost all (98%) of the farmers were high users of TSP. Overwhelming
2
majorities (91.3%) of the farmers were high users of MP and 8 % were the low to
medium users. In case of Zn fertilizers, two-thirds (66.7%) of the farmers were non
users compared to 2.0%, 0% and 31.3% low, medium and high users respectively.
About three-fourth (74%) of the farmers did not use any S fertilizer and 24% were high
users. Almost all (96%) of the farmers were non users of boron fertilizers and the rest
4% were high users. From the overall findings, it was observed that almost all (97.3%)
the farmers used medium to high chemical fertilizers like urea, TSP, MP, Zn, S and
boron fertilizers for banana cultivation.
For insect control in the vegetable fields, 72% farmers used Carbofuran insecticide,
67% farmers used Cypermethrin, 52% used Dimethoate, 36% used Fenitrothion, and
26% used Lamda cyhalothrin insecticide. Nearly half (47.3%) of the vegetable farmers
were medium users (used at the time of normal attack) of insecticides for insect control
in vegetable fields and 39.3% were high (used over doses) users. For disease control in
vegetable fields, farmers mainly used fungicides. Most (62%) of the farmers used
Dimathomorph with Mancozeb fungicides, 54% used Metalaxyl M with Mancozeb,
47% used Mancozeb and 31% used Carbendazim. Majority (38%) of the vegetable
farmers were the medium users of fungicides for diseases control in vegetable fields
compared to 19.4%, 6.6% and 36% being no, low and high users respectively. Overall,
the findings revealed that an overwhelming majority (89.3%) of the farmers used
medium to high chemical pesticides for vegetable cultivation.
For hopper control in banana, 37% farmers used Carrate, 33% used Sythrin and 22%
used Ostad. To control fly, 36% banana farmers used Sumithion. For controlling
sigatooga of banana, 41% farmers used tilt and 39% farmers used knowin. To protect
banana from rottening and physical spot, 35% farmers used Contaff, 31% used Shinkar
and 21% used Cupravit 50 WP. Almost all (96.7%) the banana farmers were high users
of insecticides. Only 3.3% of them did not use any insecticides in their banana fields.
About two-third (63.4%) of the banana farmers were high users of fungicides for
disease control. One-third (33.3%) of the farmers did not use any fungicides in banana
cultivation. Overall findings revealed that almost all (99.3%) the farmers used medium
to high chemical pesticides for banana cultivation.
Farmers of the study areas did not use any chemicals and hormones for vegetables and
banana harvesting, storing, transporting and marketing. But they used Litosen,
3
Okozim, Alga gold, etc. as plant growth regulators (PGR) for vegetable cultivation.
They used Litosen, Crop plus and Genimax as PGR for banana cultivation. More PGR
was used in banana cultivation than vegetable cultivation. Majority (58%) of the
vegetable farmers were low users of PGR compared to 40.6% non users and only 1.4%
medium to high users. About two-fifths (40.7%) of the banana farmers were low users
of PGR and 30.7% were medium users.
One important finding of this study was that vegetable wholesalers did not use any
chemicals/hormones/ripening agents for marketing. However, the banana wholesalers
used ripening agents like Promote, Ripen-15, Tomtom, Ethrel, Ethophen etc. Some of
them used heat for ripening banana and some of them do nothing for ripening. Three-
fourth (74%) of the banana wholesalers used different types of ripening agent for quick
ripening of banana. The wholesalers of Shah Ali market, Mirpur and Karwan bazar of
Dhaka city often drop the banana in the liquid mixture of ripening agents like Carbide
for quick ripening and attractive colour. Besides using ripening agents, they drop the
banana again in the formalin to protect from rotting. More than half (52%) of the
banana wholesalers were the high users of ripening agent compared to 9% and 13% as
low and medium users respectively. Only one-fourth (26%) of the banana wholesalers
were the no users of any ripening agent for quick ripening of banana.
Majority (71.3%) of the vegetable farmers perceived medium to high effect of
chemical inputs in cultivation on human health. On the other hand, about two-third
(66%) of the banana farmers perceived low effect compared to 22% medium to high
effect.
Majority (71% -76%) of the consumers perceived that the effect of excess use of
chemical fertilizers and pesticides in vegetable and banana cultivation increase human
diseases.
Vitamin-C, β-carotene and protein contents of brinjal samples with high doses of
chemical fertilizers were higher than the brinjal samples without using any chemical
fertilizers. Vitamin-C, β-carotene and protein content of brinjal samples collected after
5-days of Ripcord spraying was higher than the samples collected after 3-days of
spraying. Residual levels were higher than 0.36 ppm in the brinjal samples collected
4
after 3-days of spaying, and below 0.1 ppm in case of collection after 5-days of
spraying.
Twenty two to 31 percent of the consumers perceived that using PGR in vegetable and
banana cultivation increase human disease and food toxicity, degrade food taste and
food value and decrease crop shelf-life. About two-third of the consumers had no
perception on this aspect.
More than half (55%) of the consumers had no perception on the effect of using
ripening agent for quick ripening and attractive colour of banana. Forty five percent
consumers perceived that use of ripening agent decrease shelf-life of banana. To
overcome this problem some wholesalers used formalin to protect the banana from
rotting after using ripening agent. More or less one-third (32% to 35%) of the
consumers perceived that use of ripening agent might increase human diseases and
food toxicity and might be degraded food taste and food value.
The contents of total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugars, vitamin-C and total
soluble solids were found to be higher in banana treated with ripening agents than in
the fresh banana. Higher pH values were observed in the non treated banana than the
treated banana.
Based on group discussion of training-cum-workshop with the farmers, it was found
that the total effect score of excess use of chemical fertilizers in vegetable and banana
cultivation, degrade food taste ranked first followed by degrade food value, increase
food toxicity, increase human diseases and create new human diseases.
On the basis of descending order of obtained total effect score of excess use of
chemical pesticides in vegetable and banana cultivation, increase food toxicity ranked
first followed by degrade food taste, degrade food value, create new human diseases
and increase human diseases.
On the basis of descending order of obtained total effect score of using ripening agents
for banana marketing, decrease in banana shelf-life ranked first followed by
degradation in food taste, increase in human diseases, increase in food toxicity and
degradation in food value.
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPICS PAGE NO.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
INTRODUCTION 1.1 Relevance to the National Food Policy 1.2 Objectives
METHODOLOGY 2.1 Study Area, population and sample size 2.2 Approach and analytical tools 2.3 Data management and analysis
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Chemical fertilizers used by the farmers 3.2 Extent of chemical fertilizers used by the farmers 3.3 Chemical Pesticides used by the farmers 3.4 Extent of chemical pesticides used by the farmers 3.5 Hormones used by the farmers and wholesalers 3.6 Extent of hormones used by the farmers and wholesalers 3.7 Effect of using chemical inputs for cultivating vegetables and banana 3.8 Effects of using hormones 3.9 Verification of results through training-cum-workshop
KEY FINDINGS
POLICY IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
AREAS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
CONCLUSIONS
KEY MESSAGES
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
REFERENCES
ANNEXES Important Photographs of activities
1
5
6
7
7
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13131819
2020202326283133
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53
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56
57
58
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6161
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LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NO.
TITLE PAGE NO.
Table 1.Table 2.Table 3.
Table 4.
Table 5.Table 6.Table 7.Table 8.
Table 9.
Table 10.Table 11.
Table 12.
Table 13.Table 14.
Table 15.
Table 16.
Table 17.
Table 18.Table 19.Table 20.Table 21.Table 22.
Table 23.Table 24.Table 25.Table 26.Table 27.
Chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides sales in BangladeshStudy area and sample farmersDistribution of the vegetable farmers on the basis of chemical fertilizers useDistribution of the banana farmers on the basis of chemical fertilizers useMajor chemical insecticides used by the vegetable farmersMajor chemical fungicides used by the vegetable farmersMajor chemical pesticides used by the banana farmersDistribution of the vegetable farmers on the basis of chemical pesticides useDistribution of the banana farmers on the basis of chemical pesticides usePGR used by the farmersPercentage distribution of the Banana wholesalers on the basis of these activitiesPercentage distribution of the banana wholesalers on the basis of ripening agent useDistribution of the vegetable farmers on the basis of PGR useDistribution of the banana wholesalers on the basis of ripening agent useDistribution of the farmers based on their perception on the effects on food adulteration by using chemical inputsEffects of excess use of chemical fertilizers in crop fields as perceived by the consumersEffects of excess use of chemical pesticides in crop fields as perceived by the consumersEffect of high doses fertilizers on quality of brinjalEffect of pesticide on quality of brinjal at different periods Level of residue of ripcord in brinjalEffects of using hormones as PGR as perceived by the consumersEffects of using RA for banana marketing as perceived by the consumersEffect of ripening agent (Promote @ 20ml/l) on quality of bananaDistribution of the participants of training-cum-workshopRank order of effect of excess use of chemical fertilizersRank order of effect of excess use of chemical pesticidesRank order of effect of using ripening agents for banana marketing
91322
23
24252627
28
2930
30
3233
34
35
36
3738394040
4143454545
7
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO.
TITLE PAGE NO.
Figure 1. Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
Figure 2.3Figure 2.4
Vicious cycle of chemical agricultureMap of Bangladesh Showing Narsingdi, Gazipur and Tangail DistrictsMap of Narsingdi district showing Belabo and Monohordi upazillaMap of Gazipur district showing Shreepur and Kapasia upazillaMap of Tangail district showing Modhupur upazilla
1114
15
1617
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
ADC = Area Development Center B = BoronBARC = Bangladesh Agricultural Research CouncilBARI = Bangladesh Agricultural Research InstituteBBS = Bangladesh Bureau of StatisticsDAE = Department of Agricultural ExtensionEC = Emulsifiable Concentrateet al. = et all (and other people)etc. = et cetera (and the rest)G = GranularHPLC = High performance liquid chromatographyHRC = Horticulture Research CenterMP = Muriate of PotashMRL = Maximum Residual LevelMS = Mass spectroscopyNaOH = Sodium hydroxideNGO = Non Governmental OrganizationPGR = Plant Growth Regulatorppm = parts per millionRA = Ripening agentsS = Sulfur SFE/SFC = Super Critical Fluid Extraction/ChromatogramTSP = Triple Super Phosphate viz. = videlicet (namely)WP = Wetable PowderZn = Zinc
8
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Relevance to the National Food Policy
Farmers of Bangladesh produce food crops, fruits, vegetables, pulses, oil crops and
many other crops for human consumption as well as industrial use. These crops have
natural enemies like insects and diseases. Large quantities of crops are damaged by these
insects and pests every year. Due to continuous crop cultivation the soil loses its
fertility. To save the crop from their enemies and to maintain the soil fertility, scientists
have discovered and applied chemical control measures of insects and diseases like
chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, hormones, etc. Farmers in Bangladesh raise a
number of crops in a year from a single piece of land. Ultimately, the nutrient status of
the soil decreases every year with resultant crop yield decreases. In addition, insects and
diseases also pose threats to farmers. Farmers therefore use chemical fertilizers to regain
soil fertility and use chemical pesticides to control crop pests.
The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is rapidly increasing year after year. We do
not raise any question if farmers use these chemical inputs judiciously. But we raise
questions when farmers use excess of chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides.
Chemicals and hormones are also being used in harvested crops at the time of marketing.
Most of these chemicals are harmful to human body. By using excess chemical
fertilizers, the chemical composition of harvested crops may change. These agricultural
crops are our main foods. For pest control, farmers use excess chemical pesticides.
Sometimes they harvest vegetables just immediately after spraying chemical pesticides,
which may be very harmful to the body. For marketing banana and vegetables, the
9
farmers and wholesalers often use various types of chemicals and hormones
unconsciously. They do not know the proper doses of these chemicals and hormones.
In chemical agriculture, it is necessary to increase the doses of chemical fertilizers and
chemical pesticides year after year for the same amount of production. Recent statistics
show that though the cropping land of Bangladesh is not increasing, the use of
chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides is steadily increasing (Table 1). Food
contamination and food adulteration of Bangladesh has also been increasing.
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides contaminate surface water and as a result, affect
fish population, livestock, poultry and human health. To regain the lost status of safe
food, it is high time to start agriculture with judicious use of agricultural inputs without
further delay.
Table 1. Chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides sales in BangladeshYear Chemical Fertilizers Sales
('000' Metric tons)Chemical Pesticides Sales
('000' Metric tons)1989-90 2043 4.8091990-91 2108 7.1821991-92 2287 7.1831992-93 2316 7.4421993-94 2217 7.7001994-95 2640 7.8591995-96 3023 9.5731996-97 3037 11.2251997-98 2732 11.3671998-99 2824 11.6111999-00 3213 14.3402000-01 2991 15.6322001-02 3285 15.9452002-03 3339 17.8322003-04 3364 20.8412004-05 3755 23.369
Source: BBS, 2006
Farmers use chemical inputs in vegetable and banana fields to supply plant nutrients
and control pests. Farmers spray chemical pesticides just immediately before
10
harvesting. During marketing both farmers and wholesalers use different types of
chemicals unconsciously for keeping the crops fresh or ripen them quickly. While it is
difficult to ascertain the optimum use of these chemicals, it is certainly valid to
question the excess use of these chemicals. The products grown with chemical
fertilizers and chemical pesticides are understood to lower the quality of the products
and create health hazards. The farmers who use these chemicals are affected first, and
those who eat the poisoned products are affected consequently. Environmentalists and
nutritionists warn that if the farmers and wholesalers increase the use of chemicals and
hormones in farming, harvesting, storing, transporting and marketing injudiciously
food adulteration might also be increased tremendously. In this regard, Murakami
(1991) established a vicious cycle of chemical agriculture and showed that the ultimate
result of using chemical inputs in agricultural crops is food quality degradation (Fig.1).
For the sake of our survival, this cannot be allowed to continue. To regain the lost
status of safe food, it is high time to start agriculture with judicious use of chemical
inputs without further delay.
But very little or limited research work has so far been done to determine the effects of
using agrochemicals and hormones for crop cultivation and marketing. Agro-chemicals
are excessively used for vegetable cultivation and banana production and marketing.
Therefore the researchers felt it was necessary to conduct the research entitled “Effects
of using chemicals and hormones for cultivation and marketing of vegetables and
banana”.
11
Pollution of Chemical Soil soil, water, fertilizers degradation air, food Unhealthy plants
Predator Pest elimination out break
Health Chemical Pest Food quality hazard pesticides resistant degradation
Fig. 1. Vicious cycle of chemical agriculture
With the help of the findings of this research, the farmers would be made aware of the
judicious use of agro-chemicals; the consumers would be alerted during purchase of
vegetables and banana; the eco-friendly agricultural extension providers would be
inspired to continue their efforts and the future researchers, academicians and policy
makers will be able to make informed decisions on judicious use of agro-chemicals
and hormones in the production of vegetables and fruits for food security.
12
1.2 Objectives
To guide the research activities towards proper direction, the following objectives were
set:
1. To identify the chemical fertilizers used by the farmers for vegetables and banana cultivation,
2. To determine the extent of chemical fertilizers used by the farmers for vegetables and banana cultivation,
3. To identify the chemical pesticides used by the farmers for vegetables and banana cultivation,
4. To determine the extent of chemical pesticides used by the farmers for vegetables and banana cultivation,
5. To identify the hormones used by the farmers and wholesalers for vegetables and banana harvesting, storing, transporting and marketing,
6. To determine the extent of hormones used by the farmers and wholesalers for vegetables and banana harvesting, storing, transporting and marketing,
7. To determine the effect of using chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides for cultivating vegetables and banana,
8. To determine the effect of using chemicals and hormones at the time of harvesting, storing, transporting and marketing of vegetables and banana, and
9. To verify the results by group discussion of farmers and wholesalers through training-cum-workshop.
13
METHODOLOGY
2.1 Study Area, population and sample size
Vegetables and bananas are grown in the districts of Narsingdi, Gazipur and Tangail in
Bangladesh. These three districts were selected purposively as the study area. Belabo
upazilla of Narsingdi, Sreepur upazilla of Gazipur and Madhupur upazilla of Tangail
district were purposively selected for vegetables while Monohordi upazilla of
Narsingdi, Kapasia upazilla of Gazipur and Madhupur upazilla of Tangail districts
were purposively selected for banana. Four maps are presented in figure 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
and 2.4 showing the study districts and upazillas. Five villages were purposively
selected from each of the selected upazillas. Vegetables and banana cultivators of
these selected villages constituted the population farmers of the study. Ten cultivators
were randomly selected from each selected village. Thus a total of 150 vegetable
farmers and 150 banana farmers constituted the sample farmers for the study (Table
2.).
Table 2. Study area and sample farmers
Farmers Type District Upazilla No. of Villages No. of sample farmers
Vegetables
Narsingdi Belabo 5 50Gazipur Sreepur 5 50Tangail Madhupur 5 50Total 15 150
Banana
Narsingdi Monohordi 5 50Gazipur Kapasia 5 50Tangail Maodhupur 5 50Total 15 150
All the available vegetable and banana wholesalers involved in marketing were
selected from nearby markets of the selected farmers’ villages.
One hundred consumers were purposively selected from five areas of Dhaka city,
namely, Shewrapara, Agargoan, Farmgate, Karwanbazar and Zigatola.
18
2.2 Approach and analytical tools
Three interview schedules containing direct questions with appropriate scales were
prepared according to the objectives of the study and collected data from three types of
respondents, viz. cultivators, wholesalers and consumers. Each of the three draft
schedules were pre-tested for necessary corrections, additions and adjustments before
going for final data collection. Validity and reliability of some scales were properly
determined. Data were collected by the investigators during the period of January to
June 2008 by face to face interviews with farmers, wholesalers and consumers.
Identification and determination of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and hormones were
done by asking direct questions to the respondents. From the responses of the
respondents the rate of fertilizers and pesticides used by the farmers were determined.
Farmers' perceptions were verified by group discussion during a training-cum-
workshop programme.
Effect of using chemical inputs and hormones in vegetables and banana cultivation and
marketing was ascertained by:
i) the perception of farmers and consumers regarding food adulteration, and
ii) chemical analysis in the toxicology and post-harvest technology laboratory of BARI, Gazipur based on residual effects and changes in chemical composition
Chemical analyses were conducted in the Laboratory of Pesticides and Environmental
Toxicology Section of Entomology Division, Central Laboratory, and Post-harvest
Technology Section of Horticulture Research Centre (HRC) under Bangladesh
Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Joydebpur, Gazipur.
19
Chemical analyses of fresh and treated brinjal and banana were done by using the
apparatus and instruments like: Gas chromatograph, Mass spectrophotometer
(GCMS/MS), High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Super critical fluid
extraction/chromatogram(SFE/SFC), Hand refractometer, Hot plate/ Electroplate, Hot
glass distilled water plant, Blender, Polyethylene sealer, PH meter, Analytical balance
(readable 0.0001), Top loading balance, Soxhlet apparatus, Kjeldal apparatus,
Continuous amino acid analyzer, Refrigerator, Deep freeze, Desicator etc. Brinjal was
collected from Narsingdi, Gazipur and Tangail and banana was collected from
Narsingdi and Gazipur districts.
2.3 Data management and analysis
Data collected from the respondents and laboratory were compiled, tabulated and
analyzed in accordance with the objectives of the study. Statistical measures such as
number and percentage distribution, range, average, mean difference were used
whenever necessary.
20
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1 Chemical fertilizers used by the farmers
Farmers were asked to indicate the name of the chemical fertilizers they used for
vegetable and banana cultivation. On the basis of their responses, the following facts
were found:
3.1.1 Vegetable cultivation
Farmers of the study areas used mainly urea, TSP, MP, Zn and S fertilizers for
vegetable cultivation. All (100%) the vegetable farmers used urea compared to 98.7%
and 96% of them used TSP and MP fertilizers respectively. Only 16% and 26.7%
farmers used Zn and S fertilizers respectively for vegetable cultivation.
3.1.2 Banana cultivation
In the case of banana cultivation farmers used mainly urea, TSP, MP, Zn, S and boron
fertilizers. All (100%) the banana farmers used urea compare to 99.3% of them used
TSP and MP fertilizers. Only 33.3%, 26% and 4% farmers used Zn, S and boron
fertilizers respectively for banana cultivation.
3.2 Extent of chemical fertilizers used by the farmers
Farmers were asked to indicate the extent of chemical fertilizers, they used for
vegetable and banana cultivation. Farmers were classified into the following four
categories on the basis of their use of each chemical fertilizer with the help of Fertilizer
Recommendation Guide -2005 as suggested by Bangladesh Agricultural Research
council (BARC):
21
Categories Basis of categorizationNon users No use of a particular chemical fertilizerLow users Used below 50% of the recommended doseMedium users Used 50% to below 100% of the recommended doseHigh users Used 100% or above of the recommended dose
On the basis of the above categorization, distribution of the vegetable and banana
farmers is described below:
3.2.1 Vegetable cultivation
Table 3 shows that all (100%) the vegetable farmers used urea. Most (80%) of them
were the high users of urea, 16.7% were medium users and only 3.3% were low users.
About two-third (64.7%) of the farmers were the high users of TSP compared to 5.3%
and 28.7% using low and medium amount respectively. Only 1.3% of the farmers used
no TSP fertilizer. Majority (56.7%) of the farmers were high users of MP compared to
12.7% and 26.7% being low and medium users respectively. Only 4.0% of the farmers
used no MP fertilizers. In case of Zn fertilizers, majority (84%) of the farmers were
non users compared to 9.3%, 5.3% and 1.3% low, medium and high users respectively.
About three-fourth (73.3%) of the farmers did not use any S fertilizer compared to
14.7%, 9.3% and 2.7% low, medium and high users respectively.
From the findings, it was revealed that all the vegetable farmers were users of chemical
fertilizers. In case of overall use of chemical fertilizers by the vegetable growers, it
was revealed that a major proportion (70.7%) of the farmers were medium users of
chemical fertilizers compared to 13.3% and 16% who were low and high users
respectively. Therefore, it may be said that an overwhelming majority (86.7%) of the
farmers used medium to high chemical fertilizers like urea, TSP, MP, Zn and S for
vegetable cultivation. Conclusion can be drawn that farmers do not use chemical
22
fertilizers proportionately in vegetable cultivation. This might cause soil degradation
and problem in their vegetable fields. Zn and S may be trace elements but some cases
these become major elements. The farmers of the study area were found very
indifferent in using these elements. Both the non-use and excess use of chemical
fertilizers can cause serious problems in vegetable cultivation.
Table 3. Distribution of the vegetable farmers on the basis of chemical fertilizer use
FertilizersNo users Low Users Medium
UsersHigh Users Total
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %Urea 00 0.0 05 3.3 25 16.7 120 80.0 150 100TSP 02 1.3 08 5.3 43 28.7 97 64.7 150 100MP 06 4.0 19 12.7 40 26.7 85 56.7 150 100Zn 126 84.0 14 9.3 8.0 5.3 02 1.3 150 100S 110 73.3 22 14.7 14 9.3 04 2.7 150 100Overall 00 0.0 20 13.3 106 70.7 24.0 16.0 150 100
3.2.2 Banana cultivation
According to the responses of the farmers, it was revealed that they mainly used urea,
TSP, MP, Zn, S and Boron fertilizers for banana cultivation. Data in Table 4 show that
all (100%) the banana farmers used urea and almost all (96%) were high users of urea.
Only 4% were low and medium users. Ninety eight percent of the farmers were also
high users of TSP. Only 2% were non users to medium users of TSP. An
overwhelming majority (91.3%) of the farmers was high users of MP and 8 % were
low to medium users respectively. Only 0.7% of the farmers used no MP fertilizers. In
case of Zn fertilizers, two-third (66.7%) of the farmers were non users compared to
2.0%, 0% and 31.3% who were low, medium and high users respectively. About three-
fourth (74%) of the farmers did not use any S fertilizers compared to 1.3%, 0.7% and
24% were the low, medium and high users respectively. Almost all (96%) of the
23
farmers were non users of boron fertilizers and the rest 4% were high users. None were
low or medium users of boron fertilizers.
From the findings, it was revealed that all the banana farmers were users of chemical
fertilizers. In case of overall fertilizer use by the banana growers it was revealed that an
overwhelming majority (81.3%) of the farmers were medium users of chemical
fertilizers compared to 2.7% and 16% who were low and high users respectively.
Therefore, it may be concluded that almost all (97.3%) of the farmers used medium to
high chemical fertilizers like urea, TSP, MP, Zn, S and boron fertilizers for banana
cultivation. Trace elements like Zn, S and Boron have important functions. In order to
keep the soil healthy and ensure good banana production, farmers must use
recommended doses of fertilizers in their banana fields.
Table 4. Distribution of the banana farmers on the basis of chemical fertilizers use
FertilizersNon users Low Users Medium Users High Users Total
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %Urea 00 0.0 03 2.0 03 2.0 144 96.0 150 100TSP 01 0.7 01 0.7 01 0.7 147 98.0 150 100MP 01 0.7 06 4.0 06 4.0 137 91.3 150 100Zn 100 66.7 03 2.0 00 0.0 47 31.3 150 100S 111 74.0 02 1.3 01 0.7 36 24.0 150 100Boron 144 96.0 00 0.0 00 0.0 06 4.0 150 100Overall 00 0.0 04 2.7 122 81.3 24 16.0 150 100
3.3 Chemical Pesticides used by the farmers
Farmers were asked to indicate the name of the chemical pesticides, they use for
vegetable and banana cultivation. On the basis of their responses, the following facts
were found:
24
3.3.1 Vegetable cultivation
For insect control in vegetable fields, 72% farmers used Carbofuran insecticide, 67%
farmers used Cypermethrin, 52% of them Dimethoate, 36% Fenitrothion, and 26%
Lamda cyhalothrin insecticide. Data in Table 5 show the trade name of the insecticides
with their manufacturing company and applying reasons. In case of individual
insecticides, Ripcord 10 EC was used by majority farmers to control shoot and fruit
borer of different vegetables.
Table 5. Major chemical insecticides used by the vegetable farmers
Insecticides Trade Name Company Applied to control % farmer users
Carbofuran Furadan 5GCuraterr 5GFurataf 5G
Padma OilBayer CSAuto Equ.
Cutworm,Shoot and Fruit
Borer72
Cypermethrin Ripcord 10 ECCythrine 10 ECCymbush 10 EC
BASFACI
Syngenta
Shoot and Fruit Borer 67
Dimethoate Dimethion 40 ECTafgor 40 EC
Haymethoate 40 EC
ShetuAuto Equ.Haychem
Hopper,Aphid,
Fruit fly52
Fenitrothion Sumithion 50 ECLithion 50 ECCorfen 50 EC
ShetuAgrocare
Corbel
Fruit fly,Borer,Bug
36
Lamda Cyhalothrin
Karate 2.5 ECFighter 2.5 EC
Message 2.5 EC
Syngenta BDACI
Alfa Agro
Shoot and Fruit Borer,
Cutworm,Hopper
26
For disease control in vegetable fields, farmers mainly used fungicides. Most (62%) of
the farmers used Dimathomorph with Mancozeb fungicide, more than half (54%) of
them used Metalaxyl M with Mancozeb, 47% mancozeb and 31% Carbendazim
fungicide. Data in Table 6 show the trade name of the fungicides with their
25
manufacturing company and applying reasons. Nobody used herbicides for weed
control in vegetable fields.
Table 6. Major chemical fungicides used by the vegetable farmers
Fungicides T. Name Company Applied to control
% farmer users
Dimathomorph + Mancozeb
Acrobat 10 MZ BASF Blight, Spot
62
Metalaxyl M +Mancozeb
Redomil Gold MZ 68 WP
Syngenta Blight 54
Mancozeb Dithane M 45Indofil M 45
Razland 80 WP
Buyer Auto Equ.
ACI
Early and late blight
47
Carbendazim Forastin 50WPKnowin 50WP
Bavistin
ShetuMcDonald
BASF
Seedling root, Wilt,Blight
31
From Table 5 and Table 6 it was revealed that all the farmers use insecticides and
fungicides to control insects and diseases infestation. It was observed in the field that
farmers use insecticides and fungicides of different brand injudiciously. They do not
abide by the doses recommended by the scientists of research institutes. Interestingly
they use the doses what the local input dealers suggest. So, the researchers of the study
were very much afraid of environmental pollution and food adulteration.
3.3.2 Banana cultivation
For controlling hopper in banana, 37% farmers used Carrate, 33% used Sythrin and
22% used Ostad. To control fly, 36% banana farmers used Sumithion. For controlling
sigatooga of banana, 41% farmers used tilt and 39% farmers used knowin. To protect
banana from rotten and physical spot, 35% farmers used Contaff, 31% used Shinkar
and 21% used Cupravit 50 WP. Table 7 shows the trade name of the pesticides with
26
their manufacturing company and applying reasons. Nobody used herbicides for weed
control for banana cultivation.
Table 7. Major chemical pesticides used by the banana farmers
Group Trade Name Company Applied to control
% Users farmer
Lamda Cyhalothrin
Carate Syngenta Hopper 37
Cypermethrin Sythrin ACI Hopper 33Cypermethrin Ostad United
phosphorous Bangladesh Ltd.
Hopper 22
Fanitrothion Sumithion Sato agro indust.Ltd.
Fly 36
Proopifoonagol Tilt Syngenta Sigatooga 41
Carbendazin Knowin McDonald Bangladesh Ltd
Sigatooga 39
Hexacoonagol Contaff Auto equipment Rotten andPhysical spot
35
Carbendazin Shinkar United Phosphorous
Bangladesh Ltd.
Rotten and physical spot
31
Copper Oxichloride
Cupravit 50 WP Bayer crop Science Rotten and physical spot
21
3.4 Extent of chemical pesticides used by the farmers
Farmers were asked to indicate the extent of chemical pesticides, they used for
vegetable and banana cultivation given the wide variety of pesticides available in the
market for control of the same crop. In most of the cases, it was found that farmers
used these pesticides with suggestions of local input dealers. Again, in Bangladesh,
there is no perfect suggestion from government extension providers for recommended
doses of using pesticides for crop production. On these considerations, farmers of the
27
study area were classified into four categories on the basis of their use of each
chemical pesticide by the following way:
Categories Basis of categorizationNon users No use of chemical insecticides/pesticides Low users Used at the time of severe attack onlyMedium users Used at the time of normal attack High users Regular use of chemical insecticides/pesticides
On the basis of the above categorization, distribution of the vegetable and banana
farmers is described below:
3.4.1 Vegetables cultivation
Data in Table 8 show that a major proportion (47.3%) of the vegetable farmers were
medium users of insecticides for insect control in vegetable fields compared to 10%,
3.3% and 39.3% were the no, low and high users respectively. Again a major
proportion (38%) of the vegetable farmers were the medium users of fungicides for
diseases control in vegetable fields compared to 19.4%, 6.6% and 36% were the no,
low and high users respectively.
Table 8. Distribution of the vegetable farmers on the basis of chemical pesticide use
Pesticides No users Low Users Medium
UsersHigh Users Total
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %Insecticides 15 10.0 05 3.3 71 47.3 59 39.3 150 100Fungicides 29 19.4 10 6.6 57 38.0 54 36.0 150 100Overall 14 9.3 02 1.3 69 46.0 65 43.3 150 100
Overall findings revealed that a major portion (46%) of the farmers were medium users
of chemical pesticides compared to 1.3% and 43.3% who were low and high users
28
respectively. Only 14% of the farmers did not use any chemical pesticides in their
vegetable fields. Therefore, it may be concluded that an overwhelming majority
(89.3%) of the farmers used medium to high chemical pesticides for vegetable
cultivation.
3.4.2 Banana cultivation
Data in Table 9 show that almost all (96.7%) the banana farmers were the high users of
insecticides for insects control. Only 3.3% of them did not use any insecticides in their
banana fields. About two-third (63.4%) of the banana farmers were the high users of
fungicides for diseases control compared to only 2% and 1.3% of them were the low
and medium users of fungicides in banana fields. Rest one-third (33.3%) of the
farmers did not use any fungicides in banana cultivation.
Table 9. Distribution of the banana farmers on the basis of chemical pesticide use
PesticidesNo users Low Users Medium
UsersHigh Users Total
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %Insecticides 05 3.3 00 0.0 00 0.0 145 96.7 150 100Fungicides 50 33.3 03 2.0 02 1.3 95 63.4 150 100Overall 01 0.7 00 0.0 56 37.3 93 62.0 150 100
Overall findings revealed that majority proportion (62%) of the farmers were high
users of chemical pesticides in banana cultivation compared to 0.7% and 37.3% were
non and medium users respectively. Therefore, it may be concluded that almost all
(99.3%) the farmers used medium to high chemical pesticides for banana cultivation.
3.5 Hormones used by the farmers and wholesalers
3.5.1 Farmers
Farmers of the study areas did not use any hormones for vegetables and banana
harvesting, storing, transporting and marketing. They used Litosen, Okozim, Alga gold
29
etc. as plant growth regulator (PGR) for vegetable cultivation. They used Litosen, Crop
plus and Genimax as PGR for banana cultivation. Trade names and manufacturing
company names of these PGR are presented in Table 10 with the percentage of farmers
used these PGR.
Table 10. PGR used by the farmersFarmers' types Trade Name Company % Farmers
Vegetables
Litosen Semco 21.7Okozim Syngenta 17.5Alga gold National Agri Care 11.9Others 08.3Total 59.4
BananaLitosen Semco 47.0Crop plus Hakem Bangladesh Ltd. 15.0Genimax Genetica 10.0Total 72.0
3.5.2 Wholesalers
Attempts were made to identify the chemicals/hormones/ripening agents used by the
wholesalers or procedures followed by them for vegetables and banana harvesting,
storing, transporting and marketing. Vegetables wholesalers of Baroicha bazar of
Belabo upazilla under Narsingdi district, Mawna bazar of Shreepur upazilla under
Gazipur district and Madhupur bazar of Madhupur upazilla under Tangail district were
interviewed. According to the responses of the wholesalers, it was found that the
vegetable wholesalers did not use any chemicals/hormones/ripening agent. The
wholesalers purchase vegetables from the local market and send it to Dhaka city.
Banana wholesalers of Chalakchar bazar of Monohordi upazilla under Narsingdi
district, Hatirdia bazar near to Kapasia Upazilla of Gazipur district and Madhupur
bazar of Madhupur upazilla under Tangail district were interviewed. It was found that
30
some banana wholesalers used ripening agents like Promote, Ripen-15, Tomtom,
Ethrel, Ethophen etc. Some of them used heat for ripening banana and some of them
used nothing. They purchase banana from the local market and send it to Dhaka city
without any ripening treatment. The percentage distribution of the banana wholesalers
on the basis of these activities is presented in Table 11.
Table 11. Percentage distribution of the Banana wholesalers on the basis of these activities
Activities % of banana wholesalers1. Use ripening agents 742. Use heat 443. Both of the above two 344. None of the above 16
From the findings, it was found that about three-fourth (74%) of the banana
wholesalers used different types of ripening agent for quick ripening of banana.
Percentage distribution of the banana wholesalers who used ripening agents are
presented in Table 12.
Table 12. Percentage distribution of the banana wholesalers on the basis of ripening agent use
Name of ripening agent Group % of banana wholesalers1. Promote
Ethophen
242. Ripen-15 193. Tomtom 174. Ethrel 095. Ethophen 05Total 74
Attempts were also made to collect data from the wholesalers of Shah Ali market,
Mirpur and Karwan bazaar of Dhaka city. It was known by a very closed discussion
with the wholesalers and banana marketing persons that the wholesalers of these big
markets often drop banana in the liquid mixture of ripening agents for quick ripening
and securing an attractive colour. Sometimes they used carbide for quick banana
31
ripening. Besides using ripening agents, they drop the banana again in the formalin to
protect from rotting.
3.6 Extent of hormones used by the farmers and wholesalers
3.6.1 Farmers
Farmers used plant growth regulators (PGR) for vegetable and banana cultivation with
the suggestion of local input dealers. There is no control of government extension
providers of Bangladesh for using PGR. In most of the cases, manufacturing and
marketing companies mention the doses and applying procedures on the body of the
marketed PGR. Farmers were classified into four groups on the basis of their extent of
PGR use by considering the doses mentioned on the body of marketed PGR as
recommended doses on the following way:
Categories Basis of categorizationNon users Non use of PGRLow users Used below 50% of the recommended doseMedium users Used 50% to below 100% of the recommended doseHigh users Used 100% or above of the recommended dose
Distribution of the farmers is presented in Table 13 on the basis of their extent of PGR
use in vegetables and banana cultivation. It was found that majority (58%) of the
vegetable farmers were the low users of PGR compared to 40.6% no users and only
1.4% medium to high users. About two-fifth (40.7%) of the banana farmers were low
users of PGR compared to 28% and 30.7% were the no and medium users. Only 0.7%
was the high users of PGR. These facts mean that overwhelming majority (98.6%) of
the vegetable farmer and above two-third (68.7%) of the banana farmers were the no or
low users of PGR. Again, it was revealed that use of PGR was larger in banana
32
cultivation than vegetable cultivation. In fact, banana farmers used PGR for quick
maturity and high yield.
Table 13. Distribution of the vegetable farmers on the basis of PGR use
Crops % of FarmersNo users Low Users Medium users High Users Total
Vegetable 40.6 58.0 0.7 0.7 100Banana 28.0 40.7 30.7 0.7 100
3.6.2 Wholesalers
Vegetable wholesalers did not use any hormones or chemicals for marketing. But
banana wholesalers used different kinds of ripening agents for banana marketing.
There is no control of government extension providers of Bangladesh for using
ripening agent for quick ripening of Banana. In most of the cases, manufacturing and
marketing companies mention the doses and applying procedures on the body of the
marketed ripening agent. Banana wholesalers were classified into four groups on the
basis of their extent of ripening agent use by considering the doses mentioned on the
body of marketed ripening agent as recommended doses on the following way:
Categories Basis of categorizationNon users No use Low users Used below 50% of the recommended doseMedium users Used 50% to below 100% of the recommended doseHigh users Used 100% or above of the recommended dose
Distribution of the banana wholesalers is presented in Table 14 on the basis of their
extent of ripening agent use for banana cultivation. It was found that more than half
(52%) of the banana wholesalers were the high users ripening agent compared to 9%
and 13% were the low users and medium users respectively. About one-fourth (26%)
33
of the banana wholesalers were the no users of any ripening agent for quick ripening of
banana.
Table 14. Distribution of the banana wholesalers on the basis of ripening agent use
Categories of banana wholesalers based on extent of ripening agent use
% of banana wholesalers
No users 26Low Users 09Medium users 13High Users 52Total 100
3.7 Effect of using chemical inputs for cultivating vegetables and banana
Effect of using chemical inputs for cultivating vegetables and banana were determined
by computing farmers' and consumers' perception. Effect of using chemical inputs for
cultivating vegetables and banana was also determined by measuring food quality or
chemical composition changes. These effects are described in the following sections:
3.7.1 Farmers' perception
Effect of using chemical inputs for cultivating vegetables and banana was determined
by computing the perception of farmers on food adulteration by using chemical inputs
in cultivation of these crops. Farmers were asked to indicate their perception on food
adulteration by using 5-item chemical inputs for vegetables and banana cultivation.
The 5-item chemical inputs were chemical fertilizers, chemical insecticides, chemical
fungicides, chemical herbicides and hormones. The alternative responses were 'large
adulteration', 'moderate adulteration', 'little adulteration' and 'no adulteration at all.
Weights were assigned for these alternative responses as 3, 2, 1 and 0 respectively.
Finally, score of the perception of a farmer on human food adulteration by using
chemical inputs were determined by adding up all the scores obtained by that farmer
34
on 5-item chemical inputs. Thus, the possible range of the scores of the perception of
the farmers on human food adulteration by using chemical inputs was 0 to 15, where '0'
indicated no adulteration and '15' indicated highest adulteration. For a clear
understanding, the 5-item chemical inputs with the four alternative responses are
presented below:
Items Alternative responses with assigned scoresLarge
adulteration(3)
Moderate adulteration
(2)
Little adulteration
(1)
Not at all adulteration
(0)Chemical fertilizersChemical insecticides Chemical fungicidesChemical herbicides Hormones
The mean score of vegetable farmers and banana farmers were 7.22 and 4.23
respectively. Each of vegetable and banana farmers were classified into four categories
by using following scores:
Categories Basis of categorization (score)Perceived no effect on food adulteration 0Perceived low effect on food adulteration 1 - 5Perceived medium effect on food adulteration 6 - 10Perceived high effect on food adulteration 11 - 15
Percentage distribution of the farmers on the basis of this categorization is presented in
Table 15.
Table 15. Distribution of the farmers based on their perception on the effects on food adulteration by using chemical inputs
Categories % of farmers Vegetable farmers Banana farmers
No effect on food adulteration (0) 6.0 12Low effect on food adulteration (1-5) 22.7 66Medium effect on food adulteration (6-10) 53.3 21.3High effect on food adulteration (11-15) 18.0 0.7Total 100 100
35
Findings revealed that majority (71.3%) of the vegetable farmers perceived medium to
high effect compared to 22.7% low and only 6% no effect on human food adulteration
by using chemical inputs in cultivation. On the other hand about two-third (66%) of the
banana farmers perceived low effect compared to 22% medium to high effect and only
12% no effect on human food adulteration by using chemical inputs in cultivation.
3.7.2 Consumers' perception
Effect of using chemical inputs for cultivating vegetables and banana were determined
by computing consumers' perception on five aspects like human disease, food toxicity,
food taste, food value and crop shelf-life.
Effects of using chemical fertilizers: Most (71%) of the consumers perceived that
effect of excess using chemical fertilizers in vegetable cultivation increase human
diseases followed by increase food toxicity (56%), degrade food taste (51%), degrade
food value (29%) and decrease crop shelf-life (23%). Twenty nine percent of the
consumers had no perception on these aspects. More or less similar findings were
found in case of using excess chemical fertilizers in banana cultivation (Table 16.).
Table 16. Effects of excess use of chemical fertilizers in crop fields as perceived by the consumers
Effects as perceived by the consumers
% consumerVegetable Banana
1. Increase human diseases 71 712. Increase food toxicity 56 613. Degrade food taste 51 494. Degrade food value 29 38
5. Decrease shelf-life 23 416. No perception 29 29
36
Effects of using chemical pesticides: More than three-fourth (76%) of the consumers
perceived that effect of excess using chemical pesticides in vegetable cultivation
increase human diseases followed by increase food toxicity (65%), degrade food taste
(59%), decrease crop shelf-life (23%) and degrade food value (32%). About one-fourth
(24%) of the consumers had no perception on these aspects. Again more than three-
fourth (76%) of the consumers perceived that effect of excess using chemical
pesticides in banana cultivation increase human diseases followed by increase food
toxicity (69%), degrade food taste (65%), decrease crop shelf-life (49%) and degrade
food value (39%). About one-fourth (24%) of the consumers had no perception on
these aspects (Table 17.).
Table 17. Effects of excess use of chemical pesticides in crop fields as perceived by the consumers
Effects as perceived by the consumers
% consumerVegetable Banana
1. Increase human diseases 76 762. Increase food toxicity 65 693. Degrade food taste 59 654. Degrade food value 32 39
5. Decrease shelf-life 33 496. No perception 24 24
Conclusion can be drawn that consumers are very much alert for the consequences of
consuming pesticides sprayed vegetables and banana. But problem is that people must
eat these to live. Therefore, in this circumstances government must come forward to
quick diffuse of organic agriculture along with judicious use of pesticides.
3.7.3 Effect of using chemical inputs in cultivating vegetables and banana on food quality
Chemical analyses of nutritional components of vegetable sample were done after
different mode of use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Only brinjal as vegetable
37
and Ripcord of Sypermethrin group as pesticides was considered for chemical analyses
due to time and fund constraint. The brinjal samples were analyzed for its vitamin-C,
β-Carotene and protein.
Effect of using high doses of fertilizers on quality of brinjal
Mean of vitamin-C, ß-carotene and protein content of brinjal samples collected from
Narsingdi, Gazipur and Tangail with high doses of chemical fertilizers were higher
than the brinjal samples collected from those districts without using any chemical
fertilizers. It was due to that Vitamin-C, ß-carotene and protein content of brinjal
might increase with the use of higher doses of chemical fertilizers (Table 18).
Table 18. Effect of high doses fertilizers on quality of brinjal
Tre
atm
ents
Vitamin-C (mg/100g) ß-carotene (%) Protein (%)
Sam
ple-
1
Sam
ple-
2
Sam
ple-
3
Mea
n
Sam
ple-
1
Sam
ple-
2
Sam
ple-
3
Mea
n
Sam
ple-
1
Sam
ple-
2
Sam
ple-
3
Mea
n
BoN 5.70 5.74 5.736.69
1.43 1.41 1.451.46
0.98 0.97 0.931.03BoG 6.23 6.26 6.21 1.44 1.48 1.43 1.0 1.03 1.06
BoT 8.10 8.13 8.11 1.51 1.49 1.46 1.10 1.08 1.12BhN 7.26 7.15 7.10
7.112.41 2.35 2.38
2.372.40 2.43 2.41
2.38BhG 7.00 7.04 7.08 2.36 2.39 2.31 2.34 2.41 2.38BhT 7.12 7.10 7.14 2.38 2.39 2.35 2.36 2.31 2.34
B0N= Brinjal sample collected from Narsingdi without using any chemical fertilizers B0G= Brinjal sample collected from Gazipur without using any chemical fertilizers B0T= Fresh brinjal collected from Tangail without using any chemical fertilizers BhN= Brinjal sample collected from Narsingdi with using high doses of chemical fertilizers BhG= Brinjal sample collected from Gazipur with using high doses of chemical fertilizers BhT= Brinjal sample collected from Tangail with using high doses of chemical fertilizers
Effect of using pesticides on quality of brinjal
Ripcord (Cypermethrine group of insecticide) was sprayed on the brinjal fields of the
selected farmers of Narsingdi, Gazipur and Tangail districts. Brinjals were harvested
after 3-days and 5-days of spraying. Mean of vitamin-C, β -Carotene and protein
38
content of brinjal samples collected after 5-days of ripcord spraying was higher than
the samples collected after 3-days of spraying. Harvesting after more days of pesticides
spraying might reduce the residual effects of pesticides and that might increased the
vitamin-C, β -Carotene and protein content of brinjal (Table 19).
Table 19. Effect of pesticide on quality of brinjal at different periods
Tre
atm
ents
Vitamin-C (mg/100g) ß-carotene (%) Protein (%)
Sam
ple-
1
Sam
ple-
2
Sam
ple-
3
Mea
n
Sam
ple-
1
Sam
ple-
2
Sam
ple-
3
Mea
n
Sam
ple-
1
Sam
ple-
2
Sam
ple-
3
Mea
n
B3N 6.73 6.85 6.807.07
1.38 1.41 1.451.53
2.19 2.23 2.312.25B3G 7.92 7.86 7.81 1.65 1.61 1.69 2.36 2.34 2.38
B3T 6.46 6.56 6.67 1.56 1.53 1.51 2.11 2.13 2.16B5N 7.66 7.85 7.78
7.322.21 2.28 2.18
2.292.44 2.51 2.48
2.37B5G 7.39 7.42 7.48 2.07 2.11 2.01 2.13 2.18 2.10B5T 6.86 6.67 6.79 2.63 2.56 2.58 2.46 2.53 2.48
B3N= Brinjal collected from Narsingdi after 3 days of spraying B3G= Brinjal collected from Gazipur after 3 days of spraying B3T= Brinjal collected from Tangail after 3 days of spraying B5N= Brinjal collected from Gazipur after 5 days of spraying B5G= Brinjal collected from Gazipur after 5 days of spraying B5T= Brinjal collected from Tangail after 5 days of spraying
Attempts have been made to find out the residual effect of using insecticides by the
same samples. After analysis in the toxicology laboratory of BARI, it was found that
the residual levels were higher than 0.36 ppm in the brinjal samples collected after 3-
days of spaying, and below 0.1 ppm in case of collected after 5-days of spraying
(Table 20). The recommended Maximum Resedual Level (MRL) of cypermethrine
group of insecticide in brinjal is 0.2 ppm. Therefore, it is noted that brinjal is not
edible if harvested before 5 days after spraying.
39
Table 20. Level of residue of ripcord in brinjal
Treatments Tested Insecticides Detected Insecticides Level of Residue (ppm)B3G Cypermethrin Cypermethrin 0.403
B3N Do Do 0.672
B3T Do Do 0.366
B5G Do Do 0.008
B5N Do Do 0.044
B5T Do Do 0.012
MRL = 0.20 ppm
3.8 Effects of using hormones
Overwhelming majority (98.6%) of the vegetable farmer and two-third (68.7%) of the
banana farmers were the no or low users of PGR. No chemicals or hormones were used
by the farmers or wholesalers for harvesting, storing and transporting of vegetables.
Ripening agents (RA) were used by the banana wholesalers for marketing. Effects of
these PGR and RA are discussed below based on the perception of consumers. Effect
of using ripening agent was also determined by chemical analysis. These facts are
discussed in the following sub-sections.
3.8.1 Effects of using PGR as perceived by the consumers
Plant growth regulators (PGR) are used in vegetable and banana cultivation for quick
growth. Twenty two to 31 percent of the consumers perceived that using PGR in
vagetables and banana cultivation increase human disease and food toxicity, degrade
food taste and food value and decrease crop shelf-life. About two-third of the
consumers had no perception on this aspect. No expert opinion was found that
determined the effect of using PGR in vegetable and banana cultivation. The
percentages of consumers possessing these perceptions are shown in Table 21.
40
Table 21. Effects of using hormones as PGR as perceived by the consumers
Effects as perceived by the consumers
% consumerVegetable Banana
Increase human diseases 31 30Increase food toxicity 26 30Degrade food taste 25 29Degrade food value 24 27Decrease shelf-life 22 22No perception 66 66
3.8.2 Effect of using RA for banana marketing as perceived by the consumers
More than half (55%) of the consumers had no perception on the effect of using
ripening agent for quick ripening and attractive colour of banana. Forty five percent
consumers perceived that use of ripening agent decrease shelf-life of banana. to
overcome this reason some wholesalers used formalin to protect the banana form
rottening after using ripening agent. More or less one-third (32% to 35%) of the
consumers perceived that use of ripening agent might be increased human diseases and
food toxicity and might be degraded food taste and food value (Table 22.).
Table 22. Effects of using RA for banana marketing as perceived by the consumers
Effects as perceived by the consumers % consumersMay increase human diseases 35May increase food toxicity 32Degrade food taste 32Degrade food value 32Decrease shelf-life 45No perception 55
3.8.3 Effect of using RA for banana marketing as determined by chemical analysis
Promote @ 20ml/l was used to measure effect of ripening agent on quality of banana.
Total sugar (%), reducing sugar (%), non-reducing sugar (%), vitamin-C (mg/100g),
total soluble solid (%), acidity and PH of fresh and treated banana were determined.
Total sugar and reducing sugar content were determined by Lane and Eynon Method,
41
acidity by treating against standard NaOH solution and ascorbic acid by 2, 6-
Dichlorophenol-Indophenol Visual Titration Method according to Ranganna (1991).
The results are discussed below:
Total sugar (%)
Data in Table 23 reveal that the higher total sugar was found in banana treated with
ripening agent (12.43%) than the fresh banana (7.06%). Golder (2000) also found
similar result. This might be due to hydrolysis of starch and accumulation of sugars
(Patil and Magar, 1976). Bauna (1976) stated that the increase in total sugar is
attributed to the conversion of starch to sugar that happened during ripening. However,
there was an appreciable increase in the content of total sugars in treated fruits
compared to untreated fruits.
Reducing sugar (%)
The reducing sugar was the higher in banana treated with ripening agents (6.58%) than
the fresh banana (5.0%). This might be due to conversion of starch to reducing sugar
through the process of glucogenesis (Islam, 1998). Pandey (2006) and Melkamu et al.
(2008) found similar result in their studies.
Table 23. Effect of ripening agent (Promote @ 20ml/l) on quality of banana
Treatments Total sugar(%)
Reducing sugar (%)
Non-reducing
sugar (%)
Vitamin-C(mg/100g)
Total soluble solid (%)
Acidity (%)
PH
B0 7.06 5.0 2.06 18 21 0.53 5.98BR 12.43 6.58 5.85 27 30 0.24 4.96
Bo= Fresh banana, BR = Banana treated with ripening agent
42
Non-reducing sugars (%)
A higher value of non-reducing sugars was found in the banana treated with ripening
agent (5.85%) than the untreated banana (2.06%). This might be due to conversion of
some reducing sugar to non- reducing sugar (Ewaidah; 1972). Pandey (2006) and
Milkamu et al. (2008) found similar result in their studies.
Vitamin-C (mg/100g)
A higher vitamin-C was found in treated banana (27 mg/100gm) than the untreated
banana (18mg/100gm). It was due to the fact that quick ripening occurred in treated
banana that untreated banana.
Total Soluble Solids (%)
The higher total soluble solids were found in treated banana (30%) than the untreated
banana (21%).
Acidity (%)
Higher acidity was observed in non- treated banana (0.53%) than treated banana
(0.24%). It was interesting to note that the acidity percent in treated banana fruits was
lower compared to non-treated banana. Waskar and Roy (1992) stated that the acid
content in banana fruits during ripening depends upon the proton transfer process as
the fruits ripen. Therefore, the lower acidity in treated fruits might be attributed to an
excess transfer of proton during ripening.
PH
The higher PH values were observed in the non treated banana (5.98) than the treated
banana (4.96). The lower pH value in treated fruits might be attributed to the
43
obstruction in the utilization of organic acids as respiratory substrates (Islam, 1998).
These results are also similar to the findings of Golder (2000).
3.9 Verification of results through training-cum-workshop
A four-day training-cum-workshop was organized on "Judicious Use of Chemicals and
Hormones in Vegetables and Banana Cultivation and Marketing" at Proshika Sreepur
Area Development Center (ADC) located at Mawna of Sreepur upazilla under Gazipur
district during the period from 22 - 25 August, 2008. Participants of this training-cum-
workshop were the vegetable and banana farmers and wholesalers of three districts,
namely Narsingdi, Gazipur and Tangail. Thirty participants were selected for this
programme by taking 24 progressive farmers and six wholesalers as shown in Table
24.
Table 24. Distribution of the participants of training-cum-workshopDistricts Upazilla Number of farmers and wholesalers Total
Vegetable farmers
Vegetable wholesalers
Banana farmers
Banana wholesalers
Narsingdi Belabo 4 1 - - 5Monohordi - - 4 1 5
Gazipur Shreepur 4 1 - - 5Kapasia - - 4 1 5
Tangail Modhupur 4 1 - - 5Modhupur - - 4 1 5
Total 12 3 12 3 30
Environmental, social, psychological, technical, economical and human food related
effect of excess use of chemical inputs and hormones in vegetable and banana
cultivation were discussed in the training-cum-workshop. But food contamination and
food adulteration due to excess use of chemical fertilizers, chemical pesticides and
hormones in vegetable and banana cultivation were the main focus of the programme.
Effects of non-judicious use of these chemical input and hormones in vegetable and
44
banana cultivation and marketing on human health and food were determined by group
discussions of the participants. Thirty participants were grouped into 6 groups by
taking 5 in each group. Several discussions were made on different topics one by one.
The following three topics were related to the present study:
Effect of excess use of chemical fertilizers in vegetable and banana cultivation Effect of excess use of chemical pesticides in vegetable and banana cultivation Effect of using ripening agents for banana marketing
For each discussion, participants of each group were asked to identify main five
effects. Again they were asked to mark the effect out of 10 score on the basis
importance of effect. Then all the effects, perceived by all the groups were
accumulated on a separate sheet. Some effect items were common to all group and
some were different. In the next step, the scores of each effect item marked by all the
groups were added together. Thus, total possible score of each effect item of each topic
could range from 0 to 60, where '0' indicated no effect and '60' indicated highest effect.
On the basis of the descending order of total effect score, five important effect items
were selected for each topic and rank order was also made. These findings are
presented in the following sub sections:
3.9.1 Effect of excess use of chemical fertilizers in vegetable and banana cultivation
On the basis of descending order of obtained total effect score of excess use of
chemical fertilizers in vegetable and banana cultivation, 'degrade food taste' ranked
first followed by 'degrade food value', 'increase food toxicity', 'increase human
diseases' and 'create new human diseases' (Table 25).
45
Table 25. Rank order of effect of excess use of chemical fertilizersEffect items Obtained
total scoreRank order
1. Degrade food taste 51 12. Degrade food value 48 23. Increase food toxicity 46 34. Increase human diseases 39 45. Create new human diseases 32 5
3.9.2 Effect of excess use of chemical pesticides in vegetable and banana cultivation
On the basis of descending order of obtained total effect score of excess use of
chemical pesticides in vegetable and banana cultivation, increase food toxicity ranked
first followed by degrade food taste, degrade food value, create new human diseases
and increase human diseases (Table 26).
Table 26. Rank order of effect of excess use of chemical pesticides Effect items Obtained
total scoreRank order
1. Increase food toxicity 53 12. Degrade food taste 49 23. Degrade food value 45 34. Create new human diseases 40 45. Increase human diseases 33 5
3.9.3 Effect of using ripening agents for banana marketing
On the basis of descending order of obtained total effect score of using ripening agents
for banana marketing, decrease banana shelf-life ranked first followed by degrade food
taste, increase human diseases, increase food toxicity and degrade food value (Table
27).
Table 27. Rank order of effect of using ripening agents for banana marketingEffect items Obtained
total scoreRank order
1. Decrease banana shelf-life 48 12. Degrade food taste 42 23. Increase human diseases 38 34. Increase food toxicity 36 45. Degrade food value 30 5
46
KEY FINDINGS
Chemical fertilizers used by the farmers
Vegetable cultivation: Farmers used mainly urea, TSP, MP, Zn and S fertilizers for
vegetable cultivation. All (100%) the vegetable growers used urea compared to 98.7%
and 96% of them used TSP and MP fertilizers respectively. Only 16% and 26.7%
farmers used Zn and S fertilizers respectively for vegetable cultivation.
Although all (100%) the vegetable farmers used urea but the doses they used were not
same. Most (80%) of them were the high users of urea compared to 3.3% and 16.7 low
and medium users respectively. About two-thirds (64.7%) of the farmers were high
users of TSP compared to 5.3% and 28.7% were the low and medium users
respectively. Only 1.3% of the farmers used no TSP fertilizers. Majority proportion
(56.7%) of the farmers was the high users of MP compared to 12.7% and 26.7% low
and medium users respectively. Only 4.0% of the farmers used no MP fertilizers. In
case of Zn fertilizer, an overwhelming majority (84%) of the farmers were non users
compared to 9.3%, 5.3% and 1.3% were low, medium and high users respectively.
About three-fourths (73.3%) of the farmers did not use any S fertilizer compared to
14.7%, 9.3% and 2.7% low, medium and high users respectively. In case of overall
findings, it was observed that an overwhelming majority (86.7%) of the farmers used
medium to high chemical fertilizers like urea, TSP, MP, Zn and S for vegetable
cultivation.
Banana cultivation: Farmers used mainly urea, TSP, MP, Zn, S and boron fertilizers
for banana cultivation. All (100%) the banana farmers used urea compared to 99.3% of
47
them used TSP and MP fertilizers. Only 33.3%, 26% and 4% farmers used Zn, S and
boron fertilizers respectively for banana cultivation.
Almost all (96%) of the farmers were high users of urea. Only 4% were the low and
medium users. Almost all (98%) of the farmers were the high users of TSP. Only 2%
were the no to medium users of TSP. An overwhelming majority (91.3%) of the
farmers were the high users of MP and 8 % were the low to medium users respectively.
Only 0.7% of the farmers used no MP fertilizer. In case of Zn fertilizer, two-third
(66.7%) of the farmers were no users compared to 2.0%, 0% and 31.3% were the low,
medium and high users respectively. About three-fourths (74%) of the farmers did not
use any S fertilizer compared to 1.3%, 0.7% and 24% were the low, medium and high
users respectively. Almost all (96%) of the farmers were the no users of boron
fertilizer and the rest 4% were the high users. Nobody was the low or medium users of
boron fertilizer. Overall findings revealed that almost all (97.3%) of the farmers used
medium to high chemical fertilizers like urea, TSP, MP, Zn, S and boron fertilizers for
banana cultivation.
Chemical pesticides used by the farmers
Vegetable cultivation: For insect control in vegetable fields, 72% farmers used
Carbofuran insecticide, 67% farmers used Cypermethrin, 52% of them Dimethoate,
36% Fenitrothion, and 26% Lamda cyhalothrin insecticides. Majority proportion
(47.3%) of the vegetable farmers were medium users of insecticides for insect control
in vegetable fields compare to 10%, 3.3% and 39.3% were the no, low and high users
respectively.
48
For disease control in vegetable fields, farmers mainly used fungicides. Most (62%) of
the farmers used Dimathomorph with Mancozeb group of fungicides, 54% of them
used Metalaxyl M with Mancozeb group, 47% mancozeb group and 31% Carbendazim
group of fungicides. Majority proportion (38%) of the vegetable farmers were the
medium users of fungicides for diseases control in vegetable fields compared to 19.4%,
6.6% and 36% were the no, low and high users respectively.
It was found from the overall findings that an overwhelming majority (89.3%) of the
farmers used medium to high chemical pesticides for vegetable cultivation.
Banana cultivation: For hopper control in banana, 37% farmers used 'Carrate', 33%
used 'Sythrin' and 22% used 'Ostad'. To control fruit fly, 36% banana farmers used
Sumithion. For controlling 'sigatooga' of banana, 41% farmers used 'tilt' and 39%
farmers used 'knowin'. To protect banana from rotten and physical spot, 35% farmers
used Contaff, 31% used Shinkar and 21% used Cupravit 50 WP.
Almost all (96.7%) the banana farmers were high users of insecticides. Only 3.3% of
them did not use any insecticides in their banana fields. About two-thirds (63.4%) of
the banana farmers were the high users of fungicides for diseases control compared to
only 2% and 1.3% of them were the low and medium users of fungicides in banana
fields. Rest one-third (33.3%) of the farmers did not use any fungicides in banana
cultivation.
Overall findings revealed that almost all (99.3%) the farmers used medium to high
chemical pesticides for banana cultivation.
49
Hormones used by the farmers and wholesalers
Farmers: Farmers of the study areas did not use any chemicals and hormones for
vegetables and banana harvesting, storing, transporting and marketing. But they used
Litosen, Okozim, Alga gold etc. as plant growth regulator (PGR) for vegetable
cultivation. They used Litosen, Crop plus and Genimax as PGR for banana cultivation.
More PGR was used in banana cultivation than vegetable cultivation. Majority (58%)
of the vegetables farmers were the low users of PGR compared to 40.6% no users and
only 1.4% medium to high users. About two-fifths (40.7%) of the banana farmers were
the low users of PGR compared to 28% and 30.7% were the no and medium users.
Only 0.7% was the higher of PGR.
Wholesalers: Vegetable wholesalers did not use any chemicals/hormones/ripening
agent for marketing. Banana wholesalers used ripening agent like promote, ripen-15,
tomtom, ethrel, ethophen etc. Some of them used heat for ripening banana and some of
them did nothing for ripening, they purchased banana from the local market and sent it
to Dhaka city without doing any activity.
Three-fourths (74%) of the banana wholesalers used different types of ripening agent
for quick ripening of banana. The wholesalers of Shah Ali market, Mirpur and Karwan
bazars of Dhaka city often drop the banana in the liquid mixture of ripening agents for
quick ripening and attractive colour. Sometimes they used carbide for quick ripening
of banana. Besides using ripening agents, they drop the banana again in the formalin to
protect from rotting.
50
More than half (52%) of the banana wholesalers were high users of ripening agents
compared to 9% and 13% low users and medium users respectively. About one-fourth
(26%) of the banana wholesalers used no ripening agent for quick ripening.
Effect of using chemical inputs for cultivating vegetables and banana
Farmers' perception: Majority (71.3%) of the vegetable farmers perceived medium to
high effect compared to 22.7% low and only 6% no effect on human food adulteration
by using chemical inputs in cultivation. On the other hand about two-thirds (66%) of
the banana farmers perceived low effect compared to 22% medium to high effect and
only 12% perceived no effect on human food adulteration by using chemical inputs in
banana cultivation.
Consumers' perception: Most (71%) of the consumers perceived that effect of excess
use of chemical fertilizers in vegetable cultivation increase human diseases followed
by increase food toxicity (56%), degrade food taste (51%), degrade food value (29%)
and decrease crop shelf-life (23%). Twenty nine percent of the consumers had no
perception on these aspects. More or less similar findings were found in case of using
excess chemical fertilizers in banana cultivation.
Three-fourths (76%) of the consumers perceived that effect of excess use of chemical
pesticides in vegetable cultivation increase human diseases followed by increase food
toxicity (65%), degrade food taste (59%), decrease crop shelf-life (23%) and degrade
food value (32%). About one-fourth (24%) of the consumers had no perception on
these aspects. Again more than three-fourth (76%) of the consumers perceived that
effect of excess using chemical pesticides in banana cultivation increase human
diseases followed by increase food toxicity (69%), degrade food taste (65%), decrease
51
crop shelf-life (49%) and degrade food value (39%). About one-fourth (24%) of the
consumers had no perception on these aspects.
Effect of chemical inputs for cultivating vegetables and banana on food quality:
Vitamin-C, β-carotene and protein content of brinjal samples with high doses of
chemical fertilizers were higher than the brinjal samples without using any chemical
fertilizers. It was due to that Vitamin-C, ß-carotene and protein content of brinjal
might increase with the use of higher doses of chemical fertilizers.
Vitamin-C, β-Carotene and protein content of brinjal samples collected after 5-days of
ripcord spraying was higher than the samples collected after 3-days of spraying.
Residual levels were higher than 0.36 ppm in the brinjal samples collected after 3-days
of spaying, and below 0.1 ppm in case of collected after 5-days of spraying.
Effects of using hormones
Twenty two to 31 percent of the consumers perceived that using PGR in vagetables
and banana cultivation increase human disease and food toxicity, degrade food taste
and food value and decrease crop shelf-life. About two-thirds of the consumers had no
perception on this aspect.
More than half (55%) of the consumers had no perception on the effect of using
ripening agent for quick ripening and attractive colour of banana. Forty five percent
consumers perceived that use of ripening agent decrease shelf-life of banana. To
overcome this reason some wholesalers used formalin to protect the banana from
rottening after using ripening agent. Around one-third (32% to 35%) of the consumers
52
interviewed perceived that use of ripening agent might increase human diseases and
food toxicity and might degrade food taste and food value.
Higher total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugars, vitamin-C, acidity and total
soluble solids were found in banana treated with ripening agent than the fresh banana.
Higher PH values were observed in the non treated banana than the treated banana.
Verification of results through training-cum-workshop
Based on group discussion of training-cum-workshop participants it was found that on
the basis of descending order of obtained total effect score of excess use of chemical
fertilizers in vegetable and banana cultivation, degrade food taste ranked first followed
by degrade food value, increase food toxicity, increase human diseases and create new
human diseases.
On the basis of descending order of obtained total effect score of excess use of
chemical pesticides in vegetable and banana cultivation, increase food toxicity ranked
first followed by degrade food taste, degrade food value, create new human diseases
and increase human diseases.
On the basis of descending order of obtained total effect score of using ripening agents
for banana marketing, decrease banana shelf-life ranked first followed by degrade food
taste, increase human diseases, increase food toxicity and degrade food value.
53
POLICY IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
On the basis of the findings of the study, the following policy implications and
recommendations are made:
1. Farmers used mostly urea, TSP and MP fertilizers for vegetables and banana
cultivation. Some used very high quantity of these three fertilizers. Use of Zn,
Sulpher and Boron fertilizers was low, but there is necessity to use of these
fertilizers. On the other hand, excess use of chemical fertilizers had negative effect
as perceived by the farmers and consumers. Excessive use of fertilizers can pollute
the soil and environment and low use may decrease yield. Therefore, it may be
recommended that a campaign should be launched by concerned authorities like the
DAE, and other organizations so that the farmers can be sensitized to use the
recommended balance of fertilizers as suggested by the Bangladesh Agricultural
Research Council (BARC) for the sake of food security and food quality.
2. An overwhelming majority of the farmers used medium to high quantity of chemical
pesticides for vegetable and banana cultivation. But excess use of chemical
pesticides had negative effect on food quality as perceived by the farmers and
consumers. Therefore, it may be recommended that pesticide awareness programme
should be launched by DAE and related organizations so that the farmers can
judiciously use chemical pesticides for vegetable and banana cultivation.
3. Pesticide manufacturing and marketing companies sell their products in the markets,
with approval of the Plant Protection Wing of the Department of Agricultural
Extension (DAE) and other concerned authorities. Sometimes local input dealers
mislead farmers to use high doses and improper pesticides. Without a
comprehensive understanding, farmers purchase pesticides from dealers and use
them in excess amounts. Therefore, it may be recommended that DAE, pesticide
marketing companies and other related companies should take responsibility to train
54
the farmers about the judicious use of pesticides. Besides this, incorrect information
given by dishonest input dealers should be stopped.
4. Residual level of using cypermethrin pesticide in brinjal samples collected after 3-
days of spaying were higher than Maximum Resedual Level (MRL). The level
collected after 5-days of spraying was below the MRL. Therefore, it may be
recommended that necessary motivational programmes should be taken by the
concerned authorities so that the farmers do not harvest vegetables before attaining
lower residual level of chemical pesticides.
5. More than half (52%) of the banana wholesalers were high users of ripening agents
for quick ripening of banana. The wholesalers of big markets of Dhaka city used
formalin to protect banana from rotting with the use of ripening agent. Chemical
analysis revealed that recommended dose of ripening agent was not harmful. But
most of the ripening agent users did not maintain any recommended doses and use
of formalin might be harmful. Therefore, necessary motivational and legislative
programmes should be taken by the concerned authorities so that the banana
wholesalers could use recommended doses of ripening agent for banana marketing
without using formalin.
6. Carbide and formalin are harmful to the human body. Therefore, it may be
recommended that use of carbide for quick banana ripening and use of formalin for
banana marketing should be prevented by legislation established by concerned
authorities.
7. Necessary training and motivational campaigns should be organized by the
concerned authorities for the vegetable and banana farmers and wholesalers so that
they can understand the negative effects of excess use of chemical inputs for
vegetable and banana cultivation and marketing and ultimately can use these inputs
judiciously.
55
AREAS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
On the basis of the scope and limitations of the study and observations made by the
researchers, the following areas were identified for further research:
1. This study was conducted in selected upazillas of three districts of Bangladesh,
namely, Narsingdi, Gazipur and Tangail. It is recommended that such studies
should also be conducted in other areas of Bangladesh.
2. There are many subject-matter areas on the effects of excess use of chemical inputs
in vegetable and banana cultivation and marketing. The present study limited its
scope to the effects related to food quality. Further research is needed in
connection with other aspects related to society and environment.
3. There were many vegetable and fruits, but only selected vegetables and banana
were considered for this study. Further research is needed to determine the effect
of excess use of chemical inputs in other vegetables and fruit cultivation and
marketing.
4. Residual effect of using cypermethrin group of insecticide on brinjal cultivation
was determined. Further research should be conducted to determine other
pesticides' residual effect on other crops.
5. Residual effects of 3 and 5-days after spraying were considered. Further research
should be conducted to determine other period after spaying.
6. Residual effect of insecticide was determined before cooking. Further research
should be conducted to determine the residual effect after cooking.
7. Only Promote @ 20ml/L was used to measure the effect of ripening agent on
quality of banana. Further research should be conducted to determine the effect of
using other ripening agents, carbide and formalin for banana marketing.
56
CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of findings of the study, the following conclusions are made:
1. Farmers used high amount of urea, TSP and MP fertilizers and low quantity Zn,
sulpher and boron fertilizers. But there is necessity to use of Zn, sulpher and boron
fertilizers in balance proportion. It was fact that excess use of chemical fertilizers
has negative effects on food quality. Therefore, it may be concluded that use of
balance fertilizers is inevitable for food security including quality vegetable and
banana cultivation.
2. An overwhelming majority of the farmers used medium to high quantity chemical
pesticides for vegetable and banana cultivation. But excess use of chemical
pesticides had negative effect on food quality as perceived by the farmers and
consumers. Therefore, it may be concluded that judicious use of chemical
pesticides is necessary for vegetable and banana cultivation.
3. Residual level of using cypermethrine group of pesticide in brinjal samples collected
after 3-days of spraying were higher than 0.36 ppm and below 0.1 ppm in case of
collected after 5-days of spraying. The recommended Maximum Residual Level
(MRL) of cypermethrine group of insecticide in brinjal is 0.2 ppm. Therefore, it
may be concluded that brinjal may not be harvested as food before 5 days after
spraying of the aforesaid insecticide.
4. More than half (52%) of the banana wholesalers were the high users ripening agent
for quick ripening of banana. Chemical analysis revealed that recommended dose of
ripening agents was not harmful. But most of the ripening agent users did not
maintain any recommended doses. It might be harmful with formalin. Therefore, it
may be concluded that excess use of ripening agent must be prohibited for quick
ripening of banana.
57
5. Some big wholesalers used carbide for quick banana ripening. Besides using
ripening agents, the wholesalers of big markets of Dhaka city used formalin to
protect banana from rotting. Carbide and formalin are very harmful to human body.
Therefore, it may be concluded that use of carbide and formalin for banana
marketing should be prohibited.
6. It may be concluded that an understanding of the farmers and wholesalers on the
effects of excess use of chemical inputs for vegetable and banana cultivation and
marketing is necessary for better quality food production.
KEY MESSAGES
1. Chemical inputs should be used judiciously in vegetable and banana cultivation. It is
better to start organic farming gradually for safe food production.
2. Use of ripening agents such as carbide for quick ripening of banana should be
controlled. Use of formalin for banana marketing should be prohibited.
58
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
All praises are due to Almighty Allah who enabled the researchers to complete the
research. The researchers gratefully acknowledge the authority of National Food
Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme (NPFCSP) Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) along with Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
and the financial support of United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) and the European Commission in the completion of this project. .
Our deepest appreciation is extended to Mr. Ad Spijkers, FAO Representative in
Bangladesh for signing the Letter of Agreement of the research project on behalf of the
Food and Agriculture Organization. Sincere appreciation is also extended to Dr. Md.
Shahidur Rashid Bhuiyan, Director, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Research
System for signing the Letter of Agreement on behalf of the Sher-e-Bangla
Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
It is the researchers' proud privilege to express their deep sense of gratitude, profound
appreciation and immense indebtedness to Mr. Ciro Fiorillo, Chief Technical Advisor;
Dr. Lalita Bhattacharjee, Nutritionist and Professor Dr. Harun K. M. Yusuf, National
Utilization (Safe and Nutritious Food) Advisor, National Food Policy Capacity
Strengthening Programme (NPFCSP) for their continuous monitoring, evaluation,
inspiration, suggestions and untiring assistance throughout the tenure of the study.
The researchers would like to express their heartfelt appreciation, indebtedness and
gratitude to Mr. Md. Abdul Khaleque, Research Director (Nutrition), FPMU; Dr. Nur
Ahamed Khondaker, National Research Grant Administrator; and Mr. Nafis Ahmed
Khan, Asst. FAO Representative (Operations) for their helpful administrative support.
The researchers record their heartfelt appreciation and profound gratitude to Dr. Kamal
Humayun Kabir, Chief Scientific Officer; Mr. Muhammad Delwar Hossain Prodhan,
Scientific Officer and other Scientific Officers of Bangladesh Agricultural Research
Institute (BARI), Gazipur for helping in chemical analysis in the laboratory.
59
The researchers also humbly desire to express their deepest and most sincere gratitude
to the central authority of Proshika and local authority of Proshika Sreepur Area
Development Center for providing venue and necessary support for arranging training
programme concerned with this research project. The researchers also express their
sincere gratitude to the trainers and trainees of the training programme.
Last but not least, the researchers would like to express their sincere thanks to the
vegetables and banana farmers, wholesalers and consumers of the study areas for their
co-operation and patience in giving their valuable inputs during data collection.
Mohammad Hossain Bhuiyan
Md. Sekender Ali
Mohammad Mainuddin Molla
60
REFERENCES
BARC. 2006. Fertilizer Recommendation Guide. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council.
Bauna, G. I. E. 1976. Effect of ethephone on ripening of banana. Egypt. J. Hort. 3(1):111-114.
BBS. 2004. Statistical Pocketbook Bangladesh. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Planning Division, Ministry of planning, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
Murakami, S. 1991. Lessons from Nature – a guide to Ecological Agriculture in the
tropics. Proshika-MUK, Dhaka.
Ewaidah, E. H. 1972. Studies on commercially canned juices product locally in Soudia Arabia,III. Physicochemical organoleptic and microbiological assessment. Food chemistry. 44(2):103-111.
Golder, P. C. 2000. Studies on growth yield and quality of banana as affected by growth regulators. Ph. D. Thesis. Department of Horticulture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University. Gazipur-1703, Bangladesh. 183p
Islam, M. S. 1998. Storage life and quality of banana as affected by packaging and coating materials. M.S. thesis submitted to institute of postgraduate Studies in Agriculture, Gazipur, Bangladesh.
Melkamu, M., T. Seyoum and K. Woldetsadik. 2008. Effect of pre and post harvest treatments on changes in sugar content of tomato. African Journal of Biotechnology. 798):1139-1144. Available online at http://www. academicjournals.org/AJB.
Pandey, I. R. 2006. Improvement in post harvest handling and ripening of Banana. Available online at http://www.nardf.org.np/document/content/project1.pdf.
Patil, D. L. and N. G. Magar . 1976. Physiochemical changes in banana fruit during
ripening. J. Maharastra Agric. Univ.1:95-99.
Ranganna. S. 1991. Hand Book of Analysis and Quality Control for Fruit and Vegetable Products. Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. Ltd. New Delhi, India. 1112p.
Waskar, D. P. and S. R. Roy. 1992. Post harvest ripening changes in banana-a review. Agric. Rev. 13(1): 36-42.
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ANNEXESImportant Photographs of activities
Picture 1. Researchers investigating vegetable field
Picture 2. Researchers investigating bean field
62
Picture 3. Co-investigator interviewing a farmer in his banana field
Picture 4. Farmer in the banana garden
63
Picture 5. Co-investigator investigating bottle gourd market
Picture 6. Farmer in the papaya garden
64
Picture 7. Principal investigator investigating pesticides packet
Picture 8. Farmer spraying in the field
65
Picture 9. Inaugural session of training-cum-workshop
Picture 10. Participants and facilitators are discussing in the training-cum- workshop