Awareness and Adoption Status of Safety Measures used in Pesticide Handling by Vegetable Growers in Punjab

This study was conducted was conducted in the three major vegetable cultivating districts of Punjab i.e. Jalandhar, Amritsar and Sangrur. Two clusters of 5 villages each with maximum vegetable growers were selected from each district. 35 vegetable growers (Pea, Tomato, Potato, Brinjal, Chilli and Okra) were randomly selected from each cluster, thus a total of 210 vegetable growers were the respondents of the study. Interview schedule was prepared and data was collected personally by interviewing the vegetable growers. 89.52 per cent of the respondents were aware of buying pesticides from authorised dealers, checking expiry dates, buying only the required quantity and leak-proof containers. While only 30 per cent were aware about the BIS specifications and residual effects of pesticides. Around 70 per cent of the respondents were aware that pesticides should not be carried in a public vehicle or along with feed and fodder. 97 per cent of the respondents were aware of the proper time of opening the container, checking leakage, proper working, selection of spray equipment, method of application and to eat before spraying. Only 24 per cent of the respondents informed their neighbours in advance about their spraying schedule. Majority of the respondents were aware that one should check the expiry date before applying pesticides in field, using scissors to open pesticide containers, wearing gloves, masks, full sleeve clothing, using clean water for spray, avoiding spray during rainy/cloudy day and eating during spraying. Around 27 per cent of the respondents were aware about the significance of colours on pesticide containers and to change spray workers at frequent interval. Majority of the respondents were aware about safe disposal of empty containers, cleaning of spray equipment, keeping it out of reach of children. Majority of the respondents were aware that pesticides should be stored away from humans and animals, under lock and in their original container. Surprisingly even after being aware, the respondents did not always follow the safety measures.