Determinants of Farmers’ Knowledge and Safe Pesticide Utilisation Behaviour: Artificial Neural Network Approach

Peddi Naga Harsha Vardhan; Pandiri Neha Pragnya; Ashok Kumar; R. Nihal; Tumma Mounika; Vaishnavi Pulletikurthi Pulletikurthi

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2026.62322

Authors

Peddi Naga Harsha Vardhan Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha-761211,
Pandiri Neha Pragnya 1M.Sc. (Ag.), Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha
Ashok Kumar Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, MSSSoA, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha
R. Nihal Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology , M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management Paralakhemundi, Odisha-761211, India
Tumma Mounika Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology , M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management Paralakhemundi, Odisha-761211, India
Vaishnavi Pulletikurthi Pulletikurthi M.Sc. (Ag.), Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62322

Keywords:

Artificial Neural Network, Extension Services, Knowledge Level, Pesticide Utilisation Behaviour, Safe Pesticide Practices, Socio-economic factors

Abstract

Pesticides are increasingly being used to enhance agricultural productivity, but the risks of unsafe pesticide application to both human health and the environment can be severe. In this study, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) analysis along with traditional statistical techniques were used to analyze factors influencing farmers knowledge and pesticide use behaviour. The study was carried out in 2025-26 in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, utilizing ex-post facto research design. A sample of 240 farmers were selected by means of multistage random sampling. Information was collected with the help of a well-structured and pre-tested interview schedule. Correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to determine the association of socio-economic, communication and behaviour variables with farmers knowledge and use behaviour. ANN model was developed to determine non-linear relationship and variable importance. The results clearly indicated that, education, extension contact, mass media exposure and risk orientation had significant role in farmer knowledge and pesticide use behaviour. From ANN, mass media exposure was most influential independent variable followed by risk orientation and social participation that implies the communication-based extension efforts are the right way to disseminate the safe pesticide application techniques for intensive pesticide use production systems.

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