FARMERS ARE SACRIFICING THEIR HEALTH FOR PRODUCTION OF VEGETABLES

Long term negative effect of pesticides on healthy of vegetable farmer has been studied in Bengkulu. Research was conducted to evaluate the effect of pesticides on the health status of farmer in Kabupaten Rejang Lebonq, Province of Bengkulu. The result will be used for developing pesticides application and trade regulation by farmers in Bengkulu. One hundred of active farmers had been chosen to evaluate their behavior on handling pesticides on the field and their health status based on their feeling, urine and blood test. The results showed that most of the respondents understand how to handle pesticides at home. On the other hand, they did not apply a proper regulation on the field. The farmer usual1y contact directly with pesticides during application due to lack of protective cloths such as glasses, masker and gloves. As result, based on their feeling, more than 50% of the farmers felt tired, muscle cramps, dry throat, shortness of breath, headache, dizzy and other digestive system problem. The clinical test confirmed that health problems such as heart and kidney deterioration were also encountered among the farmers. These facts force local government to provide regulation on trade and application of pesticides