Safe Pesticide Handling: 10 Rules Every Farmer Must Follow
Pesticide poisoning affects thousands of Indian farmers every year — and almost all cases are preventable. These 10 rules can protect you, your family, and your community.
By Yesell Crops Care Team
The Insecticides Act, 1968 mandates safe handling, storage, and disposal of crop-protection products — but beyond the legal requirement, these rules exist because pesticides are hazardous substances that can cause serious harm when mishandled.
These 10 rules apply to every product, regardless of toxicity class.
Rule 1: Read the Label Before Every Use
The label is a legal document. It tells you the correct crop, pest, dose, dilution, application method, PHI, and first-aid instructions. Read it every time — even if you've used the product before. Formulations change, and so do recommendations.
Rule 2: Never Mix Chemicals Without Checking Compatibility
Mixing incompatible products can cause chemical reactions that reduce efficacy, damage crops, or create toxic combinations. If you're unsure about mixing two products, test a small quantity in a glass jar and observe for 30 minutes before mixing in the tank. Or call us.
Rule 3: Wear PPE — Every Time
Required minimum PPE for applying any pesticide in India:
- Full-sleeve shirt and long trousers (cotton, not synthetic)
- Rubber or neoprene gloves (not cloth or leather — chemicals penetrate them)
- Eye protection (wrap-around goggles, not sunglasses)
- Respirator or dust mask for dusty formulations (WP, DP)
- Rubber boots — not sandals
Wash all PPE after use. Do not wear PPE inside the house.
Rule 4: Spray Downwind — Never Into the Wind
Always walk so the wind is at your back when spraying. Spraying into the wind deposits chemical on you, not on the crop. Check wind direction before you begin and adjust your spray pattern accordingly.
Rule 5: Do Not Eat, Drink, or Smoke While Spraying
Dermal absorption and ingestion are major routes of pesticide poisoning. Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling pesticides — not even after washing your hands with water only. Wash hands thoroughly with soap before any contact with food or mouth.
Rule 6: Mix and Apply Only What You Need for That Day
Prepared spray mixes degrade over time and become less effective. Mixed spray left in the tank overnight can also pose a disposal problem. Prepare only what you'll use in a single application session.
Rule 7: Store Pesticides Safely
- Locked storeroom, away from living areas, kitchens, and food storage
- Out of reach of children and animals
- Never in food or beverage containers
- Original container only — never transfer to unlabelled bottles
- Away from direct sunlight and heat
- Separate from seeds and fertilisers
Rule 8: Dispose of Empty Containers Correctly
Triple-rinse empty containers (add water, shake, pour into spray tank — three times). Puncture or crush the container to prevent reuse. Do NOT burn plastic containers — they release toxic fumes. Follow your state's pesticide container disposal guidelines. In Tamil Nadu, contact your local agricultural officer for disposal collection points.
Rule 9: Know the First Aid for Poisoning
Memorise or keep the label first-aid section visible at the spray site. General principles (check the specific label for product-specific guidance):
- Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water for 15 minutes
- Eye contact: Flush with clean water for 15–20 minutes
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; call emergency services
- Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting unless the label specifically says to. Call Poison Control: 1800-116-117 (AIIMS toll-free helpline)
- Take the product label to the doctor — it contains the active ingredient information needed for treatment
Rule 10: Respect the PHI
The Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) is the minimum days between your last spray and harvest. It exists to protect consumers from residues above safe limits. Violating it is illegal under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and can result in prosecution. See our detailed PHI guide for more information.
Emergency Contact
National Poison Control: 1800-116-117 (AIIMS, toll-free, 24 hours)
Tamil Nadu Agricultural Department: Your local agricultural officer (krishi vigyan kendra)
If someone is seriously ill after pesticide exposure, go to the nearest hospital immediately and bring the product label.