Will take strict action against illegal pesticide sellers, assures Fadnavis

KEEPING AN EYE CM sanctions Rs 50L to Yavatmal hospital for stricken farmers

Taking a stern view of recent deaths of 22 farmers in suicide-prone Yavatmal district, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed officials to take strictest action possible against those found illegally selling illegal pesticides and seeds.

Speaking after chairing a high-level meeting in Yavatmal, he said the government will not spare anyone who for the sake of earning quick profits have played with the lives of farmers and farm labourers. He added that action will not only be taken against the retailers but also against companies as well.

Fadnavis said, “The government will not spare all those found selling bogus or illegal pesticides and seeds. The administration needs to be extra vigilant and strive to erase the identity of Yeotmal district as being suicide prone district of the state.”

Terming the loss of lives of farmers and farm labourers from poisoning due to spraying of pesticides as a serious matter, the chief minister pointed out that the government has already constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and under Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to probe the causes of these deaths.

Fadnavis said, “8,000 new kits have been distributed to the farmers and extensive training program is being undertaken with special teams being formed and inspection at Krushi Seva Kendras (KSK) is being carried out.”

He added the government has made immediate allocation of Rs 50 lakh to civil hospital, Yavatmal for making available medicines for patients being treated for poisoning due to pesticides.

Fadnavis said, “Antidotes for treatment of cases poisoning due to pesticides will be made available at all Primary Health Centers, Rural and Sub-District Hospitals.”

Referring to the illegal import of bogus seeds and pesticides from outside the state, he directed the officials to conduct inquiry and fix responsibility for the same.

Commenting on the deaths of farmers and farm labourers from poisoning due to spraying of pesticides, Fadnavis directed the officials to hold meetings of KSK operators, prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) and hold workshops giving instructions on how to spray pesticides on crops.

Fadnavis directed the officials to hold meetings of KSK operators, prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) and hold workshops