Degradation of Soil Quality in Mandalay Region of Myanmar Due to Overuse of Pesticides in Agriculture

Landlords and cultivators of watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) and several other types of melons ( Cucumis melo var. Cantalupensis, Cucumis melo var. Reticulatus, Cucumis melo var. Cucumis melo Inodorusvar, etc.) complained about soil degradation due to cultivation of melons without judicious use of pesticides. Conducting a field survey on the use of pesticides and the prevalence of pesticide residues in the soil of melon-cultivated areas, the study investigates the authenticity of such claims and figures out the actual reasons for such land degradation. The survey was carried out on 150 farmers from 30 villages in Kyaukse, Myitthar and Tada U Township in Mandalay division of Myanmar. The survey captures information on pesticide-related awareness, attitudes and practices and identifies possible health and environmental risks. The usage, storage and handling of pesticides by most of the respondents were found not safe, and knowledge on the adverse effects of pesticides on health, crops and the environment was found to be inadequate. The findings have indicated the potential risk of soil degradation. It appears that lack of cooperation among the government, non-governmental organisations (NGO), private sector stakeholders and farmers is the key weakness for improving agricultural practices adopted by farmers. Enhancing the awareness, changing the attitudes and improving the practices of the farmers regarding the use of pesticides may be the key step towards addressing this issue.