GENERIC PESTICIDE UNDERSTANDING BY SMALL HOLDER FARMERS IN FOGERA DISTRICT, SOUTH GONDAR ETHIOPIA

The preliminary survey was carryout to assess the farmers understanding about the generic pesticide (single active ingredient with different trade name). Total of 45 farmers participated in this study through interviews. Three commonly used pesticides by smallholder in the locality with different active ingredients were presented to the farmers to evaluate their understanding about the similarity and importance of generic pesticide. Open ended questioner was used. Those commonly used pesticides presented to the farmers are 1. Dimethoate (Agro-Thoate 40%EC, Ethiothoate 40%EC, Dimethoate 40 % EC, Dimeto40%EC and Roger) 2. Lambda-cyhalothrin (Karate 2.5% EC, Lamdex 5% EC, Helerat 50EC, Lamdex 5% EC, Farate 3. Profenofose (Ajanta, Profit 720EC, Polytrin315EC, and Selecron 720% EC). In this study from 45 farmers who asked about the generic pesticide, the similarity of Lamdex 5% EC, and Farate, 43 out of 45 farmers did considered these insecticides as different and they used this insecticide for different pest control. Similarly over 96% of the farmers did not understand the similarity among Ajanta, Profit 720EC, Polytrin315EC, and Selecron 720%EC , and 91% did not understand the similarity among Agro-Thoate 40%EC, Ethiothoate 40%EC. This misunderstanding of farmers about similar pesticide with different trade name contributes for ineffective pest control, farmers used single active ingredient (with different trade name) for different pest control due to miss understanding. Hence, the government and non government other concerned body should create enough awareness regarding to similarity of for smallholder farmers. Pesticide manufacturers, should also be responsible for pest for this action.