Pesticide Use in Bangladesh: Farmers perceptions, and implications for soil health and food safety

My PhD research focuses on how pesticides are used in vegetable farming in Bangladesh and why this matters for human health, food safety, and the environment. Farmers often depend on chemical pesticides because they work quickly and help protect crops. However, many farmers use them too often or in higher amounts than recommended, mainly due to economic pressure, limited training, and lack of proper guidance. My research shows that although many farmers know pesticides can be harmful, safe handling practices are often ignored. I also found that banned pesticides from the past are still present in soil, vegetables, and even cow’s milk, which raises concerns about long-term health risks. In addition, beneficial soil organisms like earthworms can move pesticides deeper into the soil, spreading contamination. Overall, this research highlights the need for safer farming practices, better training for farmers, and stronger monitoring to protect food quality, soil health, and public health.