Rampant pesticide use in Yavatmal,poses health, ecology risk: Survey

Yavatmal: A joint field survey by PAN Asia Pacific and PAN India conducted in December 2024 has revealed alarming pesticide use in Yavatmal district. The report, based on responses from 1,485 farmers, highlights serious concerns related to human health, environmental safety, and pesticide management practices.According to the survey, 97% farmers reported using pesticides. Of these, 48% were using pesticides for more than 10 years. The study identified 32 active chemical ingredients, of which 72% fall under the category of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs).
Notably, monocrotophos — widely recognized as extremely toxic — was reported to be in use by 564 respondents despite its known risks.The survey found that 33% farmers stored pesticides at homes, posing significant risk to family, especially children and pets. While 94% claimed to keep pesticides away from children, 5.82% admitted failing to follow even this basic safety measure.Serious lapses were also observed in the disposal of used pesticide containers. Around 60% farmers burnt empty containers contributing to air pollution. Another 35% bury them in the soil, increasing the risk of soil and groundwater contamination. Alarmingly, 12% farmers reused empty pesticide containers to store food or water.About 29% (430 respondents) reported acute health issues such as vomitting, nausea, headaches, eye irritation, skin disorders, excessive sweating or salivation, and breathing difficulties. Nearly 5% farmers also reported chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, developmental disorders, learning difficulties, and liver or kidney diseases.Due to discomfort, unavailability, and high costs, many farmers do not regularly use personal protective equipment while handling pesticides. The survey noted that 21% farmers were directly involved in mixing and spraying pesticides significantly increasing their risk of exposure.The findings underline an urgent need for stricter regulation, awareness programmes, safer alternatives, and improved access to protective gear to safeguard farmers' health and protect the environment in Yavatmal district.Farmers' leader Devnath Pawar said, "Considering the adverse effects of pesticides on human life, two organizations — Pan India and NAPP — prepared a detailed report based on which we will be submitting certain proposals to the government."A comprehensive survey report has been compiled from all 16 talukas of Yavatmal district. The survey was conducted between 2022 and 2023. "I am confident that after this report, farmers will take special precautions while using pesticides," he said.