DS Group Launches PPE Campaign for Women Farmers in UP

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Wednesday, 15 July 2026

DS Group has launched its Pallu Protection Equipment (PPE) Awareness Campaign in Uttar Pradesh to address the occupational health risks faced by women farmers exposed to pesticides and agricultural chemicals. Introduced under the company's broader FarmHER programme, the initiative aims to improve awareness while providing a practical and culturally relevant protective solution that women can easily incorporate into their daily farming activities.

Key Highlights

• DS Group launched the Pallu Protection Equipment Awareness Campaign in Uttar Pradesh
• Women farmers will receive free washable nano-fibre filters stitched into saree pallus or dupattas
• The initiative combines health camps, awareness drives, and community outreach under the FarmHER programme

The campaign is currently being implemented across seven villages in Baghpat district: Pali, Katha, Bandpur, Sunehra, Basi, Mavikala, and Sankrodh. It combines awareness programmes, preventive healthcare, and the free distribution of protective equipment to encourage safer agricultural practices among rural communities.

At the centre of the campaign is an innovative washable nano-fibre filter that can be stitched into a saree pallu or dupatta, converting everyday clothing into protective gear during farm work. The filter is designed to reduce exposure to pesticide particles, dust, harmful chemicals, and PM2.5 pollutants.

According to DS Group, field research revealed that many women farmers already use their saree pallus or dupattas to cover their faces while spraying pesticides or carrying out agricultural work. However, these traditional coverings offer limited protection. Instead of asking women to adopt unfamiliar safety equipment, the company developed a solution that enhances garments they already wear, making protective measures more practical and accessible.

The washable filters will be distributed free of charge through selected tailor shops, pesticide outlets, and chemist stores across the participating villages. The initiative also includes a version integrated into the traditional gamcha, enabling male farmers to benefit from similar protection while working in the field.

Alongside the protective filters, DS Group has launched an extensive community engagement programme. Mobile awareness vans, traditional puppet shows, local-language nukkad nataks (street plays), and door-to-door educational campaigns are helping spread information about the health hazards associated with pesticide exposure and the importance of adopting safer farming practices.

The campaign also features free health check-up camps organised with support from local authorities and community members. Women farmers attending these camps receive blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, basic health counselling, and protective filters. Participants are also given mirrors and calendars carrying messages that reinforce safe farming practices and occupational health awareness.

Rajeev Jain, Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing, DS Group, said women farmers make significant contributions to India's agricultural economy but often remain unaware of the long-term health risks associated with pesticide exposure. He noted that the company's field research highlighted the widespread use of saree pallus and dupattas as informal face coverings despite their limited protective capabilities.

He added that the Pallu Protection Equipment Awareness Campaign addresses this gap by combining awareness with action through simple, practical, and culturally appropriate solutions that women farmers can adopt without changing their daily routines.