Assessment of Awareness, Attitude, and Opinion of Indian Farmers on Microplastic Pollution in Agroecosystems

  • 0School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, India.

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Indian farmers have low awareness of microplastic pollution, but are concerned and eager to learn. Education is key to improving knowledge and attitudes towards sustainable agricultural practices.

Area Of Science

  • Agricultural Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science

Background

  • Plastic use in agriculture causes persistent microplastic and nanoplastic pollution.
  • This pollution contaminates soil and negatively impacts agroecosystems.
  • Understanding farmer perspectives is vital for effective mitigation strategies.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess Indian farmers' awareness, attitudes, and opinions on microplastic pollution.
  • To identify factors influencing farmers' knowledge and perceptions.
  • To gauge farmer interest in solutions for plastic pollution reduction.

Main Methods

  • A survey was conducted with 310 crop farmers across 19 Indian regions.
  • Data collection occurred between September 2023 and March 2024 using random sampling.
  • Random forest analysis was employed to determine significant predictors of awareness and attitudes.

Main Results

  • A significant majority (66.5%) of farmers were unaware of microplastic pollution.
  • Education level was the primary predictor of awareness and attitudes, followed by age and gender.
  • Most farmers (74.8%) expressed concern about plastic pollution's impact on agriculture and health, with 90% interested in learning mitigation techniques.

Conclusions

  • There is a critical need for enhanced farmer education on microplastic pollution in agriculture.
  • Policy interventions should integrate plastic waste management, promote biodegradable alternatives, and support training programs.
  • Addressing farmer knowledge gaps is essential for improving environmental sustainability and promoting sustainable agriculture.

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