Publication:

Knowledge and expressed practices regarding pesticide handling among farmers in rural Himachal Pradesh, India: a cross-sectional study

Background Pesticide use is integral to modern agriculture but poses significant occupational health risks, particularly in developing countries where unsafe handling practices are common. Farmers in rural India are frequently exposed to pesticides due to inadequate knowledge, poor safety practices, and limited training. Objectives were to assess the knowledge and expressed practices regarding pesticide handling among farmers in selected rural areas of Himachal Pradesh and to determine the relationship between knowledge and practices.

Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 farmers using pesticides in rural areas of district Una, Himachal Pradesh. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule assessing knowledge and a structured rating scale assessing expressed practices. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, including Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Chi-square test.

Results Most farmers demonstrated moderate knowledge regarding pesticide handling, while unsafe practices were prevalent. A positive correlation was observed between knowledge and expressed practices (p<0.05). Knowledge levels were significantly associated with educational status and pesticide-related training.

Conclusions Despite moderate awareness, unsafe pesticide handling practices remain common among farmers. Targeted training programmes, improved access to safety information, and promotion of personal protective equipment are essential to reduce pesticide-related health risks.