Yavatmal Pesticide Poisoning: State Govt constitutes Special Investigation Team; Advisory issued for farmers

Nagpur, October 14: The death toll touched 32 where farmers got killed after getting poisoned due to pesticides in the cotton fields of Yavatmal district, the state government has constituted 7-member Special Investigation Team to carry out an investigation and also issued an advisory to prevent any untoward incidents from happening. 

The advisory has been issued by the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Department of the state. According to it, farm owners must provide the protective gear including masks and gloves to labourers who are asked to spray pesticides. They are also supposed to keep first aid boxes handy in case a person is affected by pesticides, and take them to the nearest hospital.

“Ensure no one is standing in the vicinity at the time of spraying the pesticide. Follow the instructions given by the pesticide manufacturing company on its packaging. Take the exact amount of water to mix the pesticides. Using less water than required makes the pesticide dangerous for both the crops and the person spraying it. Wash hands and face immediately after spraying the chemical and take a bath. Keep the pesticides away from children and report cases of poisoning to the local authority’s police, tehsildar or agriculture department officials,” says the advisory. It also states that the farmers must avoid spraying during mornings when it’s windy or in the direction of the wind in order to prevent pesticides from being inhaled.

On Tuesday several farmers died due to pesticide poisoning in the cotton fields of Yavatmal district, Vidarbha region while more than 400 are affected. Some farmers and farm labourers are still undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Yavatmal, Nagpur and other districts. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry and also announced the ex-gratia amount of Rs.2 Lac for the kin of the deceased.