MAHA LISTS DOS AND DON’TS FOR FARMERS IN VIDARBHA

After 22 farmers from Yavatmal lost their lives to pesticide poisoning, the state government recently issued a 20-point advisory for farmers and local authorities on precautionary measures to be taken while spraying the chemical on the crop.

The state, however, hasn’t taken any responsibility for the safety of farmers, putting the onus entirely on farm owners. A case in point is the explanation on protective gear in the advisory. It states it is the duty of the farm owner to provide protective gear such as masks and gloves to farm labourers appointed for the task.

The advisory, issued by the state agriculture and animal husbandry, dairy development, fisheries department, asks farmers to keep a first aid box in the farm to give immediate treatment to the affected person, and move him to hospital at the earliest.

Farmers have been asked to spray pesticides in the morning as it is not very windy. They have been asked to refrain from spraying chemicals against the flow of the to reduce chances of inhalation.

“Ensure no one is standing in the vicinity at the time of spraying pesticide. Follow the instructions given by the pesticide manufacturing company on its packaging. Take the exact amount of water to mix the pesticides. Using less water than required makes the pesticide dangerous for both the crops and the person spraying it. Wash hands and face immediately after spraying the chemical and take a bath. Keep the pesticides away from children and report cases of poisoning to the local authorities — police, tehsildar or agriculture department officials,” the advisory states.

Authorities have been asked to undertake campaigns to make farmers aware of precautions.

AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN ASKED TO UNDERTAKE CAMPAIGNS TO MAKE FARMERS AWARE OF PRECAUTIONS