Abstract:
It was found that the majority of women had satisfactory knowledge on agrochemical
poisoning. They also had a fair knowledge on first aid measures that should be practiced
following exposure to agrochemicals. significant percentage of children aged 10 - 14 years
were engaged in agricultural activities including handling agrochemicals. Women’s
knowledge should be further improved on common symptoms of agrochemical poisoning,
adverse health effects of misuse of agrochemicals and important first aid measures through
awareness programmes. Usage of agrochemicals by children should be discouraged as much
as possible and they should b-e educated about agrochemical poisoning and protective
measures through seminars and workshops in schools. The use of pesticide traders in this
process seems to be practicable. Women can motivate their family members to use
protective measures and they can act as change agents to prevent misuse of agrochemicals.
Public Health Midwives could assist in this process. Women should be provided with more
information and training on protective measures, minimal usage of agrochemicals and
organic farming. With the help of agrochemical industry should make available low coast,
good quality protective equipments and carry out awareness programme on usefulness of
those. Such progammes and applicants should be supervised
