Mumbai: Yeotmal, the district in Vidarbha region known for farmers’ suicides, has got a new identity over the death of farmers due to inhaling of poisonous pesticides sprayed on cotton crop. Eighteen farmers died during the last week and more than 600 farmers are still admitted in hospital.
The state which gives ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of farmers who commit suicide, do not have provision to assist farmers who died due to pesticides. Kishor Tiwari, president of state-appointed Vasantrao Naik Swawlambi Sheti Mission has demanded the lodging of a case of ‘culpable homicide’ against the responsible officials. Whereas Rajesh Deshmukh, district collector, said that state would help farmers from chief minister’s relief fund.
According to Deshmukh, only this year has recorded death due to pesticides. “Three farmers died on October 1 and remaining were during July to September end. Till date, 18 farmers have reportedly died due to inhaling of pesticides. Out of these the post-mortem reports of nine has been received and the others we expect to receive in a couple of days.”
Deshmukh added that all victims were admitted to the government hospital at Yeotmal. Deshmukh confirmed that the reason behind the deaths was the inhalation of pesticides.
The report of these deaths has been submitted to the state government for further decision,” he said. When asked about financial assistance from the state, Deshmukh said that there are no provisions of direct financial assistance to the kin of families of the farmers who died due to pesticides. “Shetakari Apghat Vima Yojana (Farmers accidental Insurance Policy) is the only scheme for the farmers who died accidentally in which the close relative of the farmer receives Rs 2 lakh,” added Deshmukh saying that the district administration is expecting financial help from Chief Ministers Relief Fund.
Meanwhile, Tiwari said, “As the cotton crop was attacked by larvae, farmers sprayed pesticides such as Profex super and Polo which has taken lives of 18 farmers. Unfortunately, government machinery did not take the issue seriously and hence they must be punished.” Tiwari su-moto announced ex-gratia amount of Rs 3 lakh to the family of farmers who died by pesticides.
Meanwhile, official from agriculture department said that Vidarbha has highest sow of cotton on 4.5 lakh hector agriculture land. “This year, the height of cotton crop is more than five-six feet and when farmers used to spray insecticide, it enters into their nose through inhaling. Even the touch of these insecticide affects human body. This is the reason why this year, death toll is high,” said the official.
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Kashinath Milmile, an expert in pesticides said that mixture of two different pesticides increased its poisonous characteristics. “In recent incidents, it has been noticed that farmers used to spray in the afternoon when temperature was high. They did not used mask and may have used the hands full of wet due to heat while consuming food or tobacco or for drinking water,” said Milmile, who has Masters degree in agriculture and doing business of pesticides since past 50 years in Pandharkawada. He added, inhaling through mouth and through injury to the body. He suggested companies should provide security kit or mask with pesticide bag. An official from the Chief Minister’s Office said that the families of the farmers will be given financial assistance.
