In a recent tragedy in Yavatmal district, 18 farmers have lost their lives and 400 other are struggling with the side effects. And all of this just in an effort to grow food for us. The casualties has been reported due to pesticide inhalation while spraying crops in Yavatmal district over the last few weeks.
In a telephonic conversation with Mr. Alve, agricultural officer of Yavatmal told Krishi Jagran that the conditions are under watch now and the technicals of the pesticides are banned and are under scrutiny. The technicals are Profenophos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% , Fipronil 40% + Imida 40% , Monocrotophas 36% + Acephate 15% which has been banned on orders.
Cotton, which is the major crop of the district has received the broadcasting of the spray. Inhaling which has affected the lives of the farmers hugely. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of farmers and laborers who died due to pesticide inhalation while spraying on crops in Yavatmal district over the last few weeks. An inquiry has also been ordered into the matter under the assistant chief secretary (home). The CM also announced that the government will run an awareness campaign on safe use of pesticides, and distribute free masks.
A group of villagers from Kalamb tehsil of the district had submitted a memorandum to the collector on Tuesday seeking Rs 10 lakh as compensation. "Why should the government discriminate between those who died in Mumbai and Yavatmal? Even here people died while working to earn their livelihood," said Nitin Khadse of Jalka village in the district. The matter was reported neither by government hospital authorities, district administration, agriculture department or even the farmers' rights activists.
