Rupali Bhalchandra Patil
Abstract
This study examines grape producers in Nashik area, Maharashtra, India, pesticide use, safety awareness, and training. In 2012-2013, 50 residents from Niphad, Dindori, and Nashik, three key grape-growing talukas, completed a standardised questionnaire. The study investigated pesticide disposal, spraying methods, PPE use, and health awareness. It also wanted to know their knowledge of IPM, PHI, and soil testing. Most farmers (92%) knew about short-term health effects, but just 8% understood about long-term effects. All poll respondents wore shoes when spraying, however just 32% wore gloves and 40% glasses. Chi-square and binomial testing showed that training greatly impacted safety measures. The independent samples Ttest showed that taught farmers were more likely to use gloves, face masks, and glasses than untrained farmers, proving that training improves safety. ANOVA tests demonstrated that pesticide safety behaviours including bathing after spraying and proper disposal were significantly affected by training. All F-values were significant (p < 0.05). Trained farmers improved statistically in sprayer rinsing, face mask use, and PHI knowledge. Although unskilled, both groups followed safety guidelines like wearing shoes and not smoking while spraying. Teaching pesticide use is crucial, according to the study. This means that further awareness campaigns and legislative changes are needed to make viticulture safer for workers and healthier for the environment.