Crisis in the farms:profits and agricultural pollution in commercial vegetable growing

Pressures to maximize profits have given rise to intensive agro-chemical use in vegetable farms. The resulting water and soil pollution, however, have negative effects on the environment and may require expensive remedies at the expense of the community. A survey of vegetables farm households in the selected villages of Laguna [Philippines] was conducted to examine the existing pest and nutrient management technologies, farm productivity and incomes, and the environmental consequences of agricultural pollutants on human health. Results showed that farmers have invested considerable funds for agro-chemicals in vegetable farms and obtained substantial amount of profits. Many farmers attributed their improved socioeconomic status to huge earnings from diverse commercial vegetable production. For them, diverting into organic farming at this time for a clean and healthy environment was not an alternative decision. They generally perceived that the vegetables they eat and the water they drink were still safe. The study, however, revealed that the pervasive use of highly toxic pesticide potentially exposed the community to pollutants, which can contaminate the air, water,and food sources. Health risk of the farm households depends on their exposure to toxic chemicals.Risk= Exposure x Toxicity, exposure being a function of the method and frequency of pesticide application,location of farms and/or distance of farms to the households' dwellings. With intensive agrochemical use, the quality of soil and water resources was also endangered. Water quality test revealed a certain level of pollution in sampled water sources. Negative effects of this non-point source pollution are likely to extend to indirect impact areas where it is more difficult to treat or improve water quality. The large numbers of affected people and the monetary and social costs of the negative consequences should be evaluated in future studies. Only with full knowledge can farmers take action to resolve the crisis in their farms.