• UGI USER
  • Dec 25, 2023
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PESTICIDE HAZARDS IN MAHARASHTRA: A FARMER’S STRUGGLE

Why in the News?

  • Farmers in Maharashtra, suffer severe health consequences due to pesticide poisoning.
Source: ToI

Effects of over reliance on Pesticide:

  • Pesticide exposure led to fits, seizures, and hospitalization, highlighting the dire consequences of chemical usage.
  • Financial burden and dependency persist as families, despite health risks, continue relying on pesticides.

Regulatory Response:

  • In 2017 and 2018, certain insecticides were temporarily banned in affected districts.
  • PAN International’s list of hazardous pesticides reveals over 100 approved for use in India, prompting concerns about regulatory shortcomings.

Transition to Organic Farming:

  • Various farmers abandoned pesticides in 1994 after witnessing detrimental effects on cattle.
  • Adopted natural farming inspired by Japanese farmer Masanobu Fukuoka.
  • Maharashtra government’s initiative and non-profit organizations promote organic farming as a sustainable alternative to chemical-intensive practices.

Despite organic farming initiatives, challenges persist, including the lack of antidotes for many pesticide poisoning cases, posing a significant health risk to farmers.