DS Group has launched the 'Pallu Protection Equipment (PPE)' Awareness Campaign to address occupational health risks faced by women farmers exposed to pesticides and agricultural chemicals.
The initiative is currently being rolled out across seven villages in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh—Pali, Katha, Bandpur, Sunehra, Basi, Mavikala and Sankrodh—and combines awareness, preventive healthcare and protective solutions to promote safer farming practices.
As part of the campaign, the FMCG conglomerate has introduced a washable nano-fibre filter that can be stitched into a saree pallu or dupatta, transforming it into a protective barrier against pesticide particles, dust, harmful chemicals and PM2.5 pollutants. The filters will be distributed free of cost through selected tailor shops, pesticide outlets and chemist stores in the participating villages. A separate version integrated into the gamcha has also been developed for male farmers.
The campaign includes mobile awareness vans, puppet shows, nukkad nataks, door-to-door outreach and free health camps offering blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, basic health counselling and distribution of protective filters. Participants also receive mirrors and calendars carrying messages promoting safe agricultural practices.
Commenting on the initiative, Rajeev Jain, Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing, DS Group, said, "Women farmers play a vital role in India's agricultural economy, yet awareness of the occupational health risks they face remains limited. Our field research revealed that the saree pallu and dupatta are often used as informal protective coverings during pesticide-intensive agricultural work, despite offering inadequate protection. This highlights the urgent need for simple, practical and culturally appropriate solutions that women farmers can seamlessly adopt. Through the 'Pallu Protection Equipment' Awareness Campaign, DS Group combines awareness with action, providing accessible solutions that can help make agricultural work safer and healthier for women."
The initiative is part of DS Group's FarmHER programme, which focuses on supporting women farmers by improving access to health, safety and awareness resources while encouraging safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.
