Journal of Global Ecology and Environment

The present study was conducted during 2020–21. A sample of 100 vegetable growers was selected proportionately from randomly selected villages in Akola district. Data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested interview schedule. Vegetable growers may face occupational risks during pesticide handling, making the adoption of safety measures an important area for local assessment. An exploratory study was conducted during 2020–21 among 100 vegetable growers selected from ten villages in Patur tahsil, Akola district, Maharashtra. Data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested interview schedule. Among the respondents, 40.00% belonged to the young age group, 43.00% had college-level education, and 70.00% reported medium extension contact. Most growers (78.00%) had received no training related to vegetable cultivation and pesticide application. Medium levels of attitude towards pesticide use, awareness regarding pesticide application and adoption of recommended safety measures were reported for 71.00%, 67.00% and 58.00% of respondents, respectively. Regarding specific precautions, 60.00% always kept pesticides out of children's reach, 69.00% always kept food and drinking water outside spraying areas, and 63.00% always bathed and washed their spraying clothes after application. Conversely, only 10.00% always used the protective items listed in the questionnaire, whereas 62.00% never did so. Toxicity warning symbols were always examined by 5.00% of respondents, and only 15.00% always checked pest economic-threshold levels. The specified first-aid and medical-contact response was always reported by 2.00%. Adoption differed substantially across safety practices. These findings identify priorities for practical extension guidance, particularly protective equipment, interpretation of hazard labels and emergency-response procedures, without establishing causal relationships.