Sixty-five farmers reported on pesticide use and the
signs and symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning when
using two different plant protection strategies: in 2003
using chemical controls and in 2004 using an approach
to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) based on an
ecological analysis of the field conditions. Exposure to
organophosphates was confirmed as a serious risk
factor for occupational poisoning. The adoption of
IPM reduced the use of pesticides and halved the incidence
of acute pesticide poisoning. Overall, the pesticide
use spectrum shifted towards lower WHO Hazard
Classes. A reduction of adverse health effects was
attained through a reduction in exposure to toxic pesticides
and behavioural changes. Given that other
strategies to reduce the rate of acute poisoning have
proven ineffective, interventions aiming to minimize
pesticide poisoning in India and in other developing
countries with similar rural conditions should focus on
restricting the use of highly toxic compounds and educating
farmers on IPM.