Pesticides are considered harmful for health if not handled and sprayed properly. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness towards occupational health problems due to pesticides among apple growers of Jammu & Kashmir. A questionnaire survey was carried out among the apple growers of Kashmir region. It was found that different types of pesticides are used commonly in the apple orchards of Kashmir valley. Most of the farmers are not using PPE while spraying these pesticides. Most of the farmers reported different types of health ailments after spraying pesticides. Intervention is needed from all stakeholders to prevent health related issues of the farmers in these areas

Apple orchards, pesticides, farmers, health issues

The results of our research shows that all the employees are men, who are the breadwinners for their families but who also, put themselves in danger by doing hazardous tasks with which they are unfamiliar and have no idea how to perform safely. Since most people who indulge in this behaviour are married, they also endanger their families by keeping pesticides in their homes. Most farmers understand the need of using pesticides, but few understand how to properly store them or the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure. All those who operate in apple orchards should henceforth be required to participate in mandatory ongoing training courses on the proper use of pesticides by the relevant authorities. The safety of employees, the surrounding community, and the environment should all be addressed in these programmes. Children, expectant mothers, and the elderly will be safer if the government takes action to separate the residential colonies from the apple orchards. Safer alternatives to the currently used pesticides should also be developed and implemented

-

Jahan Ara, Kounsar Jan, Heena Qadir and Khursheed Ahmad Wani (2024). Knowledge and Awareness Towards Occupational Health Problems due to Pesticides Among Apple Growers of Jammu & Kashmir. International Journal on Emerging Technologies, 15(1): 61–65.