Farmers’ participatory research on rodent control in Punjab state: Survey, education, impact assessment and sustainability

Survey of farmers from ten villages of districts Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Sangrur in Punjab (India) from 2000–01 to 2008–09 revealed that farmers’ knowledge, general attitude and rodent control practices were similar across villages. Overall, 60.0–100.0% farmers were found conducting rodent control operations mostly using zinc phosphide without pre-baiting. Farmers (60.0–80.0%) used to conduct rodent control only at maturity stages of crops when rodents exhibit frequent visible movement and inflict extensive damage. After survey, farmers were educated and motivated to conduct rodent control operations as per recommendations. Post-implementation survey of farmers revealed varied level of adoption for different control practices in different villages. Farmers started conducting rodent control operations in an integrated way and used both zinc phosphide and bromadiolone baits (82.0–100.0%). Damage census revealed comparatively less damage to wheat (Triticum aestivun L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) crops in villages where education along with free rodenticide baits were provided to the farmers compared to the areas where neither rodenticide baits nor education was imparted. Survey of 20–30 farmers of two villages where training had been previously conducted revealed that the impact remains only while farmers are given free rodenticide baits along with education and field demonstrations. Once this practice is stopped, the use of integrated practices decreased. From the present investigation, it is concluded that a thorough education of the farmers along with the distribution of rodenticide baits at regular intervals is a pre-requisite for successful planning of the community programme in rodent control.

► Farmers conducting control operations using zinc phosphide at crop maturity stage.
► After education, farmers started using both zinc phosphide and bromadiolone baits.
► Impact remains only while farmers are given education with free rodenticide baits.
► Thorough education at regular intervals is must for successful rodent control.