Min: Dist admin failed to inform govt on time

Yavatmal: Agriculture minister Bhausaheb Fundkar has admitted the district administration did not inform the state government on time about the alarming situation of pesticide poisoning, which has claimed 19 lives in Yavatmal district.

Fundkar was addressing a press conference at the collectorate on Friday afternoon, after visiting Manoli village in Ghatanji tehsil, where one Bandu Sonule died of pesticide poisoning on September 23. Madan Yerawar, Kishor Tiwari, and Bhavana Gawali also accompanied Fundkar to Sonule's house.

"It is unfortunate and painful to all," he said, adding that over 750 patients have been treated in various hospitals, including GMC, since July. "I learnt the news of this grave situation from the 'Times of India', and instructed all the concerned officers of agriculture, revenue, health and police departments to act immediately," Fundkar said.

He added principal secretary of agriculture, and state agriculture commissioner were asked to visit the district, take stock of the situation, and report back to him. The matter was also placed before the cabinet and the CM has announced Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of persons who died of the poisoning.

A probe panel under the chairmanship of additional chief secretary for home affairs has been set up to inquire into the matter and report back to the state within 15 days, he said. A probe panel was also constituted with SDM as its head by the district collector, and they would also report back within 15 days.

"We will cancel the licenses of guilty companies marketing unauthorized pesticides in the market," Fundkar said, adding that the government would file FIRs against them if they are guilty.

Protective kits are being distributed to farmers, and agriculture officers have been directed to keep close watch on the use of the kits, he said, adding that the companies have also been instructed to provide free kits to customers.

Fundkar also said that sale of Bt-III seeds is not allowed in Indian market, and the permission given to US-based Monsanto seed company has also expired, and no extension has been granted to them to market seeds in Indian market. He added that he would never allow Monsanto seeds to be sold in Maharashtra.

Expressing deep concern over the sad state of affairs in Yavatmal GMC, Fundkar said there is a lack of medicines, ventilators and doctors to meet the requirement of the patients.

District guardian minister Madan Yerawar, Shetkari Swalamban Mission chairman Kishor Tiwari, sitting MP Bhavana Gawali, and others were also present at the press meet.