New Delhi, July 13, 2026: DS Group has launched the ‘Pallu Protection Equipment (PPE)’ Awareness Campaign in Uttar Pradesh to address occupational health risks faced by women farmers due to exposure to pesticides and agricultural chemicals. The initiative combines awareness programmes with the distribution of protective equipment designed specifically for women engaged in farming activities.
Currently being implemented across seven villages in Baghpat district—Pali, Katha, Bandpur, Sunehra, Basi, Mavikala and Sankrodh—the campaign focuses on promoting safer agricultural practices through preventive healthcare, community engagement and access to protective solutions.
As part of the initiative, DS Group has introduced a washable nano-fibre filter that can be stitched into a saree pallu or dupatta, creating a protective barrier against pesticide particles, dust and PM2.5 pollutants during farm work. The filters will be distributed free of cost through selected tailor shops, pesticide outlets and chemist stores in the participating villages.
The campaign also includes mobile awareness vans, puppet shows, nukkad nataks (street plays), door-to-door awareness drives and free health camps conducted with the support of local authorities and community members. Women farmers attending the camps receive basic health screenings, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, health counselling and protective PPE masks. Awareness materials such as mirrors and calendars carrying messages on safe farming practices are also being distributed.
According to the company, the initiative seeks to improve awareness of the health risks associated with prolonged pesticide exposure while encouraging the adoption of practical and culturally appropriate safety measures.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. 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 supports women farmers across India. Along with the protective solution for women, the company has also developed a version integrated into the traditional gamcha used by male farmers, extending the campaign's focus on occupational health and safety across farming communities.
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