Title: AWARENESS ABOUT AGRICULTURAL HAZARDS AMONG THE FARMERS

Authors: Kalpesh L. Chaudhary, A. P. Chaudhary and P. B. Khodifad

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: Agricultural hazards, farmer awareness, occupational safety

Volume: 41

Issue: 1

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.1.0031

Abstract: Agriculture is globally recognized as one of the most hazardous occupations, exposing farmers to a wide range of risks arising from machinery, chemicals, animals and harsh working conditions. Despite these risks, awareness regarding agricultural hazards remains limited, especially in developing regions where farming is predominantly labor-intensive and less mechanized. The present study was conducted across seven districts of South Gujarat during 2020-21 to 2023-24 to assess farmers' awareness levels and identify the socio-economic factors associated with it. A total of 630 respondents were selected through a multi-stage random sampling method and data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for analysis. Results revealed that more than half (52.70%) of the farmers showed low awareness regarding agricultural hazards, with only (9.68 %) demonstrating high awareness. Correlation analysis showed that education, social participation, extension contact, mass media exposure and training received were positively and significantly associated with awareness levels, whereas age and farming experience were negatively and significantly related. Variables such as size of family, annual income, caste and landholding generally showed non-significant relationships. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted awareness programmes, enhanced extension services and increased training opportunities to strengthen farmers' understanding of occupational hazards and promote safer agricultural practices in South Gujarat.