Vegetable cultivation often requires farmers to manage pests and diseases, which frequently leads to the use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. While these inputs can support crop health and productivity, improper handling or storage can create serious risks for farmers, their families, and the environment.

Fairtrade Standards form the foundation for safe, ethical, and environmentally responsible farming. They include a strict, regularly updated list of prohibited pesticides, ensuring farmers avoid substances that threaten human health or ecosystems. Beyond banning harmful chemicals, the Standards require farmers to practice safe storage, controlled use, proper handling, and responsible disposal of any permitted pesticides to safeguard natural habitats and protect water bodies from contamination.

This people-first approach ensures that farmers safeguard their families and their land today, while gradually transitioning to more sustainable agricultural practices with ongoing Fairtrade support. 

To support compliance with these requirements and promote safer, more sustainable vegetable farming, a ‘Training on Handling of Hazardous materials’ was organised for  Maradi Ranganatha Agro Producer Company Ltd., a vegetable producer based in Tumkur district, Karnataka.

The initiative aimed to strengthen Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), promote the safe handling of hazardous materials, and enhance environmental protection among Fairtrade vegetable growers—particularly farmers cultivating gherkins. This activity  is closely aligned with Fairtrade NAPPs strategic intervention, which prioritizes empowering farmers, enabling climate resilience and  supporting decent livelihoods.

A Session Focused on Safety, Sustainability, and Practical Knowledge

30 participants—28 farmers and 2 managements were trained on safe storage and handling of hazardous materials, responsible fertilizer management, environmental protection measures, biodiversity conservation, and the importance of reducing dependency on harmful chemicals. They were also introduced to integrated pest management approaches and informed about the environmental and health risks associated with improper pesticide use.

Hands-on guidance were provided on how to store chemicals correctly, maintain well-ventilated and secure storage spaces, prevent exposure among family members, especially children, and minimize the risk of soil and water contamination. These practical lessons helped farmers understand how everyday improvements can contribute to farm safety and compliance with both Fairtrade Standards and GAP requirements.

“I have been growing gherkins since 2019 for Maradi Ranganatha Agro Producer Company Ltd. Today’s training gave us valuable awareness on how to safely store and handle chemicals and pesticide containers. With this new Fairtrade NAPP initiative supporting our SPO, we can now keep our pesticide containers securely stored, preventing environmental contamination and ensuring they are kept out of reach of children.

The lock-and-key system has greatly helped in restricting access and improving safety. This support is truly beneficial for us, and we look forward to receiving more guidance from Fairtrade NAPP in the future.”

Naveen B S, Maradi Ranganatha Agro Producer Company Ltd.

Distribution of  Pesticide Storage Boxes

Alongside the training, 28 pesticide storage boxes were distributed to the farmers.  These lockable units offer essential protection by preventing accidental exposure, limiting unauthorized access, and reducing environmental contamination through leaks or spills. Farmers have already begun installing these boxes securely in their homes and farms, signifying immediate adoption and positive behavioural change.

Farmer Voices: Early Impact of the Initiative

With the new knowledge and protective storage, farmers now feel confident about managing hazardous materials responsibly.

Feedback highlighted:

• Greater awareness of environmental risks
• Improved family safety, especially for children
• Enhanced compliance with sustainable agriculture standards
• Increased sense of responsibility and empowerment    

“Earlier, we were not storing chemical and pesticide containers properly. Through this new Fairtrade NAPP intervention, we are now able to use the storage boxes effectively with a lock-and-key system, keeping them safely out of reach of children. This support will help prevent pesticide leakage into the soil and water, making our farms safer and more compliant with sustainable agriculture standards.”

- Pandurangappa R, 45, from Maradi Ranganatha Agro Producer Company Limited, India

A Step Toward a Safer and More Sustainable Farming Future

With no challenges reported and farmers already implementing the recommended practices, the training stands as a successful example of how Fairtrade NAPP supports producers in building resilient, compliant, and environmentally responsible agricultural communities.