Question : Dangers of Improper Use of Pesticides by Farmers

(a) whether the Government is aware that several farmers’ especially in Maharashtra have died due to the use of pesticides in their farms;

(b) if so, the specific steps being taken by the Government to educate farmers about the manner in using pesticides, adopting protective gear and other safety measures;

(c) the total number of Farmers Field Schools that have been organized by the Government for farmers across the country in the last year, the number of farmers have benefited from these schools, the details thereof, State-wise;

(d) whether the Government is willing to revise existing schemes on imparting information to farmers on use of pesticides, in light of the dangers being posed to farmers by their lack of knowledge in using pesticides, and to restructure them to make them more effective;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a): As reported by the Maharashtra Government during 2017-18, death of 63 farm labours/farmers have been reported due to mishandling of pesticides.

(b) & (c): The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare is implementing ‘Strengthening and Modernization of Pest Management Approach’ (SMPMA) Scheme, wherein, inter alia, Farmers Field Schools (FFSs) are organized to sensitize farmers on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach and to use chemical pesticides as a last resort as per approved labels and leaflets. The details of the FFSs organized under SMPMA Scheme in the last year is at Annexure I.

(d) & (e): The existing ‘Strengthening and Modernization of Pest Management Approach’ (SMPMA) scheme is propagating and popularising Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an alternative strategy of pest management. The scheme is being bolstered and used rigorously in those regions and crops which are highly susceptible to pests.

(f): Does not arise.