Assessment of knowledge and practice of safety measures by the agricultural workers using pesticide in Loharsi Gram Panchayat of Durg District, Chhattisgarh: One-year pilot study

Agricultural crop output is causally linked to use of Pesticide in developing countries like India. Hence, they are being increasingly and injudiciously used by the Indian farmers without having adequate knowledge of the pesticide and safety measures while its use in the fields. Cases of accidental pesticide poisoning and its other health ailments amongst farmer are regularly reported from different parts of the country. Lack of proper knowledge about use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while handling the pesticides seems to be the root cause of problems as highlighted.

The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of pesticides, their use and adoption of safety measures amongst the target farmers.

This is a cross-sectional questionnairebased pilot study in the Loharsi village of the state of Chhattisgarh over a period of one year. The target population was approached, and all the information was noted in a specially designed questionnaire.

Most of the farmers were adult male (82.52%) having formal education. About 61.17% participants lack basic knowledge about pesticide and their harmful effect on the health. Only 18 (28.57%) respondents were found using mask and goggles as PPE. We noticed ignorance on the part of agricultural workers regarding disposal of pesticide after its use and other safety measures. 86.41% respondents experienced self-limiting of symptoms during and after sprinkling pesticides in the field.

The study highlights the issue of lack of awareness amongst the agricultural workers regarding use of PPE. Hence, in this regards proper training and awareness programmes for target population are need of hour in easily preventable fatalities due to improper handling of pesticides.