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Maharashtra to probe 18 farmers deaths due to toxic pesticides

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Mumbai, Oct 3 (IANS) With the deaths of at least 18 farmers in Maharashtra from inhaling toxic insecticide fumes sprayed in farmlands, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday ordered ordered a high-level probe to ascertain the causes and initiate remedial measures.

Besides 18 deaths, another 600 persons have been injured and undergoing treatment in Yavatmal district and surroundings due to inhaling toxic fumes of the insecticides sprayed mostly in cotton and soya fields, said Vasantrao Naik Shetkar Swavalamban Mission Chairman Kishore Tiwari.

Discussing the issue at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Fadnavis announced a compensation of Rs 200,000 to the families of the deceased farmers.

He also directed a detailed investigation by the Additional Chief Secretary, Home, and said it would be mandatory for pesticides companies to distribute special types of protective kits to prevent recurrence of similar incidents in future.

Fadnavis said district surgeons have been directed to submit the blood transfusion and autopsy reports of the deceased farmers immediately to the district collectors to aid the probe.

He added that besides the pesticide companies providing protective kits, the state government would conducted awareness drives among the farmers and even supply such safety kits, if required.

On the other hand, accusing the government of “discriminating” against farmers, Tiwari demanded a compensation of Rs 500,000 to each victim’s families on the lines of the aid given to the victims of the Mumbai railway stampede.

“Indiscriminate and faulty use of pesticides along with wrong combinations, direct and extended exposure for long hours without protective gear for days are some of the apparent reasons why the farmers lost their lives in recent weeks,” Tiwari said.

He said a team of experts which toured the affected farms found that the farm labourers attempted to spray a large area in a single day to earn more money and worked in multiple fields during the peak cropping seasons.

Besides, they spent 8-10 hours daily without food or water, took breaks to smoke or drink water without washing hands, and did not wear shirts/kurtas, exposing more body area to the toxic fumes.

“This year, the situation could worsen as the Bt.Cotton Seeds are now susceptible to attacks of pink worm, thips, mealybugs and the regular bollworms, in over four million hectares land under cotton cultivation now,” Tiwari warned.

He urged Maharashtra to emulate the example of Kerala where all toxic pesticides/insecticides have been banned after the state reported large number of deaths, while pesticide deaths have also been reported from Punjab and Telangana.

–IANS
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Covid toll in Karnataka is a worrying sign for state government

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Even though Karnataka recorded the lowest number of Covid deaths in April since the virus struck first in 2020, the state is recording a rise in the positivity rate (1.50 per cent). Five people died from the Covid infections in April as per the statistics released by the state health department. In March, the positivity rate stood around 0.53 per cent. In the first week of April it came down to 0.38 per cent, second week registered 0.56 per cent, third week it rose to 0.79 per cent and by end of April the Covid positivity rate touched 1.19 per cent.

on an average 500 persons used to succumb everyday in the peak of Covid infection, as per the data. Health experts said that the mutated Coronavirus is losing its fierce characteristics as vaccination, better treatment facilities and awareness among the people have contributed to the lesser number of Covid deaths.

During the 4th and 6th of April two deaths were reported in Bengaluru, one in Gadag district on April 8, two deaths were reported from Belagavi and Vijayapura on April 30. The first Covid case was reported in the state in March 2020 and three Covid deaths were recorded in the month. In the following month 21 people became victims to the deadly virus, and May 2020 recorded 22 deaths. The death toll recorded everyday after May crossed three digits. However, the third wave, which started in January 2

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