Nagpur: Last year, after accidental inhalation of pesticides led to 62 deaths throughout the state, pesticide manufacturers supplied thousands of personal safety kits, especially in Yavatmal district, which saw the highest toll. Now, fresh spraying season is little over a fortnight away, and markets are ready with pesticide supply, but no safety kits are available along with the chemicals at the shops.
After the deaths, pesticide manufacturers ran awareness campaigns in rural areas, insisting on use of safety kits while spraying. The companies were also expected to supply the safety kits along with the products.
When TOI visited the farm inputs market in the city, pesticide dealers said they have not received any supply of safety kits from the companies. “The pesticide companies are not bound to tag any safety kit along with their product. The packets already have safe usage manuals,” said a pesticide dealer requesting anonymity.
The safety kits have to be purchased separately by the dealer, so the cost is passed on the farmer who purchases the product. The basic kit, which includes glasses and a pair of plastic gloves, is priced at Rs100 to Rs150. However, that is just the basic equipment, said a source.
Market sources said there is better equipment too, which gives complete protection as compared to the basic set of glasses and gloves. Such kits costs up to Rs800 and farmers are reluctant to spend so much.
Some of the spray pump dealers were seen providing safety kits along with the devices. Even in this case, it was limited to just the pair of eyeglasses and hand gloves. “Why should we bear the burden, deaths were caused due to pesticides. The pumps are just a device,” said a representative at M/s Padgilwar Agro Industries, one of the spray pump firms with a major share in the local market.
“We are supposed to provide the kits with ISI marked pumps. The rule is being complied with, but majority of the market is dominated by Chinese pumps, which have no such compulsion. The kits are being provided only with pumps which have enough margin, like high-powered pumps,” he said.
High-powered battery operated pumps were also blamed for most deaths. The theory was that pumps could spray thin fumes of pesticide mixes, which remained in the air for a longer period leading to accidental inhalation by the operator.
Meanwhile, the agriculture department is gearing up for the spraying season. Intense awareness campaigns have been planned across the rural areas. The department is also taking stock of kits received from pesticide companies in the previous year.
As many as 14,000 kits have been handed over to village panchayats in Yavatmal district, said a source in the district collectorate. A spokesperson of Syngenta, one of the pesticide companies, said in the last season the company distributed 10,000 kits through the district administration in Yavatmal. This season, it plans to distribute another 5,000 kits in Amravati district.
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