Pesticide use ethics: Disseminating environmental safety values among farmers of Punjab (India) through sensitization programmes

Punjab is the third leading Indian state in pesticide consumption, however, safe use of the pesticides is the most ignored in present day agriculture. The present study was conducted in six villages of south-western Punjab considering the serious consequences of the careless attitudes of farmers towards pesticides. The objectives were to determine the status of safe pesticide use among farmers and to formulate intensive training and awareness programmes to sensitize them and improve their knowledge about pesticide risks. Farmers were randomly selected and surveyed for their knowledge, attitudes and practices in terms of pesticide use on crops before and after an awareness campaign. Numerous interactions through training sessions, street plays, distribution of literature, school quizzes, etc., significantly increased the awareness among farmers on different aspects of safe use of pesticide (11.4–27.3%). However, mission mode plan is required to enhance knowledge and change the attitude of farmers towards pesticide safety, hygiene and sanitation practices.