Effectiveness of video module in acquiring knowledge regarding safe and judicious use of pesticides by rural women

Rural women are producers, processors, protectors and consumers of farm produce, they are constantly in contact with pesticides and other chemicals. Thus they may become susceptible to pesticides related health issues. The role of women in pesticides & chemical usage and consumer safety is of special significance. So, there is a need to encourage them to adopt corrective measures to minimize the use of pesticides. Keeping this in consideration, the study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of video modules developed to enhance in knowledge of rural women regarding safe and judicious use of pesticides. On the basis of 12 identified practices, a knowledge test and video module was developed. A knowledge test was administrated on 100 rural women of Ludhiana district of Punjab. All the items were given a score of one for each correct response and zero for incorrect response. After that, prepared video modules were shown to the women through WhatsApp message. Post knowledge scores of the video module were recorded. Comparison of pre and post knowledge scores showed that significant change was seen in knowledge regarding safe and judicious use of pesticides. After video exposure, percentage of the respondents in high level of knowledge category was shifted from 8 to 64 per cent. So, prepared video module is proved to be effective for improving the knowledge among people regarding safe and judicious use of pesticides.