Economics of Pesticide Usage in Vegetables Production in Western Uttar Pradesh

This study has examined the economic and environmental issues of pesticide usage in vegetables in western Uttar Pradesh using various cost components, damage control production function and Cobb-Douglas production function. The study has found that the expenditure on nitrogen, average price of pesticide and pest intensity have significant influence on pesticide-use in vegetables. The unit cost of pest control has been found to be highest in tomato and least in potato. The determinants of vegetable yield have been identified as the estimated coefficients for fertilizer expenditure, area under crop, FYM used and expenditure on pesticides. Considering the over-use of pesticides on vegetables, the study has suggested that farmers should be made aware about the harmful effects of pesticides through training programs and also better formulations should be developed.