Farmer's Knowledge on Maize Pests, Their Management, and Cultivation Practices in Baitadi

Abstract

The primary objective of this research was to assess farmer’s knowledge on pests, their management practices adopted, and maize cultivation practices in Baitadi, Nepal. Four research locations were selected purposively, Dashrath Chand Municipality-2, Pancheswar-6, Patan-4 and Dashrath Chand Municipality-9, as they were hot region for maize production in the district. 75 Household interviews along with Focused Group Discussion and Key Informants Interview were performed. Statistical operations included; Mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, ordinal logistic regression model. The study found that education status of the farmers was associated with Seed storage structures used, Chemical fertilizer usage, and Insect pest management knowledge. Agri-professionals' visit was associated with Modern seed storage structures used, Chemical fertilizer usage, Insect identification capacity, and Integrated Pest Management awareness among farmers. Access to cooperatives membership was associated with training experience. Fall Army Worm were the most severe insect pest followed by cutworms and White grubs in the study area. Education level, agriculture profession, Fall Army Worm identification capacity, and Insect pest management knowledge in a respondent increased the chances of perceiving Fall Army Worm attacks as "Highly severe". In the initial growth stages, Cutworm was more severe, but in the later stages Fall Army Worm was the most severe. Wild boar was the most severe animal pest followed by Porcupine, Monkey, Birds and Rodents. Maize weevil was the only prevalent post-harvest insect pest. 59.3%, 60.4%, and 73.9% of the respondents correctly identified Fall Army Worm, Cutworms and, White grubs, respectively from their Mark of identification. However, 96.4%, 93.8% and 56.4% of the respondents correctly identified the on-field symptoms caused by Fall Army Worm, Cutworm and White grubs, respectively. Thus, the study concluded that improving agriculture education through training, easier access to membership, and cultural practices are encouraged for policy makers to consider.