Commission has sought detailed report within four weeks over the deaths of 32 farm workers due to pesticide spraying

Agri Nation Network

Mumbai | 10 Oct 2017

Taking cognizance on its own, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Maharashtra government and the Union Agriculture ministry over reports of death and injury of several farmers in Yavatamal due to pesticide spraying on cotton crops.

At least 32 cotton growers from Yavatamal and adjoining districts have died due to pesticide spray in the last three months.

The Commission in its notice has sought a detailed report in four weeks, the NHRC said. It has also directed the state government to ensure free- of-cost and best treatment to the farmers and inform about the steps taken to stop recurrence of such incidents and the action against the guilty officers.

The commission observed that most of the farmers in the country are not adequately literate and rely on government agencies for safe use of agricultural products and ancillary techniques.

“The farmers have fallen prey to the callous and negligent attitude of government departments. Their rights to life and livelihood have been violated. Farmers should have been informed about the hazards of such a complicated technology for spraying pesticides on cotton crops”, said NHRC.

The government of Maharashtra has announced an inquiry into the deaths of 18 Yavatamal farmers and farm labourers and also announced a compensation of Rs 12 lakh for the families of the deceased farmers.

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