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Abstract
Considering the adverse health effects caused by pesticide exposure, our study aimed to investigate awareness and practices of household women (N=240) and vegetable growers (N=120) regarding awareness, usage, presence of residues and remedial practices for residue dissipation at household level. Difference between urban and rural income groups was compared using t-value, ANOVA and Tukeys’ HSD. Results obtained showed that both household women and vegetable growers were aware of the pesticides and their residues in food, health adversities associated with pesticide consumption, organic crops being a better alternative. However, the knowledge wasn’t implemented into actions and no specific measures were taken either by household women for residue dissipation in food or by vegetable growers for protection from pesticide exposure. Unsafe measures were adopted for disposal of empty pesticide containers. Almost 35% of growers sprayed pesticides thrice a week. Extensive use of pesticides on vegetables was observed in the present study. Although the farmers were aware of adverse health impact of the pesticides, use of protective measures was poor among both women and vegetable growers.