Joint Survey Uncovers Critical Pesticide Crisis in Yavatmal District
A comprehensive joint field survey conducted by PAN Asia Pacific and PAN India in December 2024 has exposed alarming levels of pesticide use and mismanagement in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. The detailed report, compiled from responses provided by 1,485 local farmers, raises serious red flags concerning human health, environmental safety, and overall pesticide handling protocols.
Widespread and Prolonged Pesticide Usage
The survey data indicates that a staggering 97% of the interviewed farmers reported using pesticides in their agricultural practices. Furthermore, nearly half of these users, approximately 48%, have been applying these chemicals for over a decade, indicating a long-term, entrenched dependency. The study meticulously identified 32 distinct active chemical ingredients in the pesticides used, with a shocking 72% of these substances categorized as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs).
Notably, the extremely toxic chemical monocrotophos was found to be in active use by 564 respondents, despite its widely recognized and severe risks to human and ecological health.
Dangerous Storage and Disposal Practices
The investigation uncovered perilous storage habits, with 33% of farmers admitting to keeping pesticide containers inside their homes. This practice poses a significant and direct threat to family members, particularly young children and household pets. While 94% claimed to store pesticides away from children, a concerning 5.82% acknowledged failing to implement even this fundamental safety measure.
Equally troubling were the findings on container disposal. Approximately 60% of farmers burn empty pesticide containers, contributing directly to toxic air pollution. Another 35% bury these containers in the soil, which heightens the risk of severe soil degradation and groundwater contamination. Most alarmingly, 12% of farmers repurpose these empty containers to store food or drinking water, creating a direct pathway for chemical poisoning.
Significant Health Impacts on Farming Communities
The survey documented acute health issues among the farming population. About 29% of respondents, equating to 430 individuals, reported suffering from symptoms such as:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Persistent headaches
- Eye irritation and skin disorders
- Excessive sweating or salivation
- Breathing difficulties
Additionally, nearly 5% of farmers reported chronic health conditions potentially linked to long-term pesticide exposure, including diabetes, hypertension, developmental disorders, learning difficulties, and liver or kidney diseases.
Lack of Protective Measures and High-Risk Exposure
Due to factors like physical discomfort, unavailability, and high costs, a majority of farmers do not consistently use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling dangerous pesticides. The survey specifically noted that 21% of farmers are directly involved in the high-risk tasks of mixing and spraying these chemicals, significantly amplifying their exposure to toxic substances.
Calls for Urgent Action and Government Intervention
The findings underscore an urgent and critical need for:
- Stricter regulatory oversight and enforcement
- Comprehensive farmer awareness and education programs
- Development and promotion of safer agricultural alternatives
- Improved access to affordable and effective protective gear
These measures are deemed essential to safeguard the health of Yavatmal's farming communities and protect the local environment from further degradation.
Farmers' leader Devnath Pawar commented on the report, stating, "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."
The comprehensive survey report was compiled from data gathered across all 16 talukas of Yavatmal district, with the fieldwork conducted between 2022 and 2023. Pawar expressed confidence, saying, "I am confident that after this report, farmers will take special precautions while using pesticides."
