Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanuts: Farmers' Perspective

Aflatoxins, produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, are the major toxins affecting the quality of peanuts meant for human consumption. Aflatoxin contamination has implications for the export of peanuts and the health of the vast majority of people who consume peanuts in their daily diets. Peanuts producers displayed low awareness of aflatoxin contamination and low knowledge of management practices' while extension staff and traders had high awareness. Producers with large land holdings were high adopters of management practices compared to producers with small land holdings. Their marketing practises showed that the problem of aflatoxin contamination was neglected at both the production and marketing stages. This book suggests extension agencies to train farmers in management of aflatoxin contamination. Mass awareness campaigns need to be organized to improve the stakeholders' awareness of the ill-effects of consuming aflatoxin- contaminated products. This book will be helpful to create awareness about aflatoxins among researchers, extension agencies, marketing agencies, peanut producers and consumers.