Maharashtra government issues fresh guidelines for spraying pesticides

Mumbai: After forming a SIT to probe the deaths due to pesticides, the Maharashtra government on Friday issued fresh guidelines for farmers to follow when spraying pesticide.

The guidelines incorporated precautionary measures like using protective gears, masks, boots and ensuring first-aid kit facilities at farms among others.

More than 32 farmers died of poisoning due to pesticides at Yavatmal district recently. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis moved into action swiftly and announced the SIT and also said that IPC sections relating to culpable homicide would be applicable against pesticide sellers.

The state government has already announced a compensation of  Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased.

The investigation by additional chief secretary of the home department is already under way, said officials. The notification has been moved by the government for the safety of the farmers.

As per the notification, “farmers have been advised to use gum boots, masks to protect the nose, glasses for eyes and aprons when spraying pesticides. There are some 20 points that the government has included in the notification to bring about an awareness among farmers about the safe use of the chemicals.”

The agriculture department has also found that the farmers do not have first aid kits at their farms for dealing with emergencies. The guidelines have now made it compulsory for farmer to keep the kits to get some immediate help in any accident.