DS Group introduces an innovative ‘Pallu Protection Equipment’ initiative in Uttar Pradesh to improve pesticide safety and occupational health among women farmers.
Key Highlights
- DS Group has launched the ‘Pallu Protection Equipment (PPE)’ Awareness Campaign in Uttar Pradesh.
- The initiative is currently being implemented across seven villages in Baghpat district.
- Women farmers will receive washable nano-fibre PPE filters free of cost.
- The filters can be stitched into saree pallus or dupattas to reduce exposure to pesticides, dust and PM2.5 particles.
- The campaign includes health camps, awareness drives, puppet shows and street plays.
- Free health screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar are being conducted.
- A separate PPE version has also been developed for male farmers using traditional gamchas.
- The initiative is part of DS Group’s broader FarmHER programme supporting women in agriculture.
DS Group Launches Rural Safety Initiative
DS Group has launched the ‘Pallu Protection Equipment (PPE)’ Awareness Campaign to promote safer farming practices among women farmers in Uttar Pradesh. The initiative focuses on reducing health risks caused by exposure to pesticides and agricultural chemicals while encouraging the adoption of practical protective solutions.
The programme is currently being implemented in seven villages of Baghpat district—Pali, Katha, Bandpur, Sunehra, Basi, Mavikala and Sankrodh.
Innovative Protection for Women Farmers
As part of the campaign, DS Group has introduced a washable nano-fibre filter that can be stitched into a saree pallu or dupatta, transforming traditional clothing into protective equipment during agricultural work.
The filter is designed to help reduce exposure to pesticide particles, harmful chemicals, dust and PM2.5 pollutants. It will be distributed free of cost through selected tailor shops, pesticide retailers and chemist stores across the participating villages.
Awareness and Preventive Healthcare
The initiative combines awareness with preventive healthcare through multiple community engagement activities. These include mobile awareness vans, traditional puppet shows, nukkad nataks, door-to-door outreach and free health camps.
Women farmers participating in the programme receive blood pressure and blood sugar check-ups, basic health counselling and protective masks. Educational materials such as calendars and mirrors carrying farm safety messages are also being distributed to reinforce awareness.
Part of the FarmHER Programme
According to DS Group, the initiative is part of its FarmHER programme, which aims to recognise and support the contribution of women in agriculture. The company said field research showed that many women already use saree pallus and dupattas as informal face coverings during pesticide spraying, highlighting the need for safer and culturally familiar protective solutions.
To extend the benefits further, DS Group has also developed a PPE version integrated into the traditional gamcha commonly used by male farmers.
