An Economic Analysis of Pesticide Application: A Case Study of Mandya District

The role of pesticides is most significant among various agricultural inputs in boosting agricultural production and productivity. Since, pesticide acts as protective umbrella for other inputs. A crop is equally attacked by a number of pests which appear at different stages of growth of crop, but their virulence varies widely. The loss sustained by the crop depends on the extent and virulence of pest attack. If the attack is of epidemic in nature the crop lose may be total in spite of all other inputs being optimal. To elucidate this point further, after using other inputs such as HYV (High Yielding Verities) seeds, irrigation, fertilizers, machinery, labour and credit if the crop is destroyed by pests and diseases the entire investment is lost. Timely and Judicious use of pesticides can save the crop from such disaster. Hence pesticides is a crucial input in enhancing agricultural output and controlling insect pests, provided if it is handled with almost care.

Rajendra Prasad is currently lecturer in economics Govt. PU college. He has seven years of teaching experience. He has presented papers in national and international seminars.Dinesh.M.V and Dr Mahesha .M are currently assistant professors,DOS in Economics,University of Mysore,Mysore.They have more than fifteen years of teaching experience.