An observational analysis on chemical handling practices among brinjal growers in Puducherry, a union territory of India

The present observational analysis has taken to assess the chemical handling practices and its impact on human health among brinjal farmers in Puducherry, union territory of India. The study area comprises of five brinjal-growing villages in Puducherry. Ex-post facto research design has been adopted, and the data has been collected using the purposive non-probability sampling technique through direct face to face personal interview method. The collected data has analysed using various statistical tool such as Mean, Standard deviation Frequency and Percentage. The study revealed that almost all the farmers were used a mixture of two or more chemicals for spray. In addition, 54.00 per cent of the farmers were not aware about the use of protective measures while handling chemicals. The majority of the of farmers (94.00%) found that morning time was suitable for chemical spraying. However, nearly 52.00 per cent of the farmers were wearing the face mask and 86.00 per cent of the farmers were not aware about wind direction while spraying. Nearly 48.00 per cent of farmers categorized as obesity class-I based on their Body Mass Index. The study also documented the harmful effects on human body due to exposure of chemicals among brinjal farmers and found that almost all the farmers were experienced burning symptoms, followed by 88.00 per cent of them has felt the symptoms of weakness and dizziness. In this regard, brinjal farmers need to be provided with awareness and training on proper chemical usage in the crop.