Farmer deaths due to pesticides: Death toll rises to 36

So far, 22 case reported from Yavatmal in Vidarbha region, seven in Nagpur, six in Akola and one in Amravati.

The death toll due to the exposure to pesticides in Maharashtra's Yavatmal district rose to 36 after two farmers died on Saturday.

So far, 22 case reported from Yavatmal in Vidarbha region, seven in Nagpur, six in Akola and one in Amravati.

The death toll is on the rise after a report submitted to the Maharashtra government said wrong mixing, sale of unauthorised chemicals and absence of protective gear are some of the causes of deaths of farmers and farm workers due to poisoning during spraying of pesticides.

In the wake of farmers' deaths, the NHRC had issued notices to the Centre as well as the Maharashtra government, seeking their reply over death of farmers.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued the notices to chief secretary of Maharashtra and secretary of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Subsequently, Maharashtra government suspended District Agriculture Development Officer on Friday in the wake of the death of farmers and injuries to several others after inhaling poisonous pesticide in Yavatmal district.

OneIndia News