TIME ( weekly Magazine ) New York
India's Deadly Chemical Addiction
Tuesday, Jun. 10, 2008 By MADHUR SINGH ( Reports )
Indian cancer sufferer Mukthiar Singh, second to right, sits with family members on a platform in Bhatinda, waiting to board a train known as the "Cancer Express"
www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1813081,00.html
On a scorching June afternoon in Jhajjal village in southwestern Punjab, elderly men have gathered in a communal courtyard to quell the boredom of the long afternoon with a game of cards. The cotton crop has been sown, and the farmers have a few weeks' holiday before they must return to their fields. As with most small villages, everyone knows everyone else here, and the conversation centers around marriages and births. But these usually mundane topics have taken on a tragic twist, involving couples failing to conceive, children being born with genetic disorders, people of all ages succumbing to cancer. Nadar Singh, the village headman, says there have been some 20 cancer-related deaths during the last five years in Jhajjal, a village of only 3,200. "A 23-year-old died of cancer in our village last year," he says, "But such news has stopped shocking us. Here even kids have cancer."
Related Articles
India's rural activists for years have blamed the overuse and misuse of pesticides for a pervasive health crisis that afflicts villages like Jhajjal across the cotton belt of Punjab. Evidence continues to mount that the problems are severe. Last month, a government-funded study revealed that chemical fertilizers and pesticides have seeped into the groundwater in four Punjab districts and are causing an alarming array of ecological and health problems including cancer and mental retardation. A June 2005 study by the new Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment found residues of between 6 and 13 pesticides in blood samples of villagers from Mahi Nangal, Jajjal and Balloh villages in Bhatinda district. Recent research by Punjabi University at Patiala established evidence of DNA damage among agricultural workers exposed to pesticides; damaged genes can give rise to a range of cancers as well as neurological and reproductive disorders. Bala, a 24-year-old day laborer, worked for two months in the fields during the spraying season four years ago. Not long after, her second child, a boy, was born with a neurological disorder and has recently been diagnosed with hydrocephalus. "His treatment is so expensive that we have had to borrow large amounts of money... I know he won't survive" she says. Surinder Singh, the executive director of the rural NGO Kheti Virasat, says, "Punjab is paying with its life for a dubious promise of prosperity."
Punjab's lethal pesticide legacy can be traced to the Green Revolution of the 1960s and '70s, when high-yielding varieties of cotton were introduced in the region's relatively arid Malwa belt. Initially the move was successful as yields and prices were good. But farmers soon discovered that the cotton was highly susceptible to pests, and ended up spending huge amounts on pesticides. As the pests, such as pink bollworm and aphids, became increasingly resistant to chemical spraying, farmers reacted by laying on even more, sometimes mixing two or more products against all scientific evidence. The region virtually became a chemical laboratory. The expense of spraying put many farmers deep in debt, yet they remain vulnerable to outbreaks such as a mealy bug attack last year that destroyed 70% of the crop. "Earlier, we used less water, traditional crops and organic manure. Now, it's all chemicals," says Sarmukh Singh, a 93-year-old patriarch in Jhajjal. "We've got our land addicted, but we don't know how to fight this addiction."
The health impact on the region is shocking. A daily passenger train that runs from Bathinder to Bikaner in neighboring Rajasthan is nicknamed the "Cancer Express" because it routinely fills a dozen cars with patients and their attendants on their way to a charitable hospital. Despite the high incidence of cancer, there is no government-run cancer hospital in the Malwa region, although the government announced plans to build one last year. "Officials sometimes visit our village, but they never seem to do anything," says Santosh, a 35-year-old resident of Jhajjal who was diagnosed with leukemia three years back and goes to Bikaner every six months for a blood transfusion.
There's plenty of blaming going on. Pesticide companies blame farmers for not adhering to prescribed quantities and not using protective gear. Workers who spray the chemicals blame landlords for not investing in protection, and companies for not properly informing them of the dangers of exposure. Farmers claim it is greedy dealers who push them to spray more, and also blame the government's failure to change its policies after the harmful side effects of the Green Revolution began showing. "We know what we are doing is not sustainable," says Nazar Singh, the chief of Jhajjal. "The agriculture department and the PAU [Punjab Agricultural University, which pioneered the Green Revolution]should come up with an alternative."
Faced with the latest studies on the effects of pesticides on the ecology and on people's health, Punjab Pollution Control Board is holding a meeting in the coming weeks to decide what action to take. For the moment, the government doesn't seem to have a plan of action, though piecemeal steps are afoot. It is promoting herbal pesticides and extending outreach programs to better educate farmers about the dangers of pesticide overuse—not only in this region but all over Punjab. Some farmers are taking up organic farming, and many scientists have been calling for a return to crops more suited to the local landscape—in the case of the Malwa region, pulses and cereals like bajra and maize in addition to cotton—to restore the biodiversity of the soil. The Congress Party–led government in Delhi has been talking about the need to launch a second Green Revolution, for which it is partnering with countries like the U.S. and Israel to devise technologies that are more sustainable. It is looking at developing and introducing transgenic crops and other advances in biotechnology. But, as Surinder Singh of Kheti Virasat points out, the government must ensure that it doesn't repeat the mistakes it made the first time around. "The Punjab farmer basks in the glory of making Punjab the bread basket of India," he says, "but the price has been too high. Punjab cannot pay with the lives of its next generation."
time:http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1813081,00.html
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Health problems in cotton belt of Punjab
Premature aging
A 14 years old boy ( Gurcharan Singh ) on right side and his father S. Sohan Singh Village Bangi Niha Singh Walal , Talwandi Sabo , Bathinda (50 years) looks similar in age.
3 years old boy Nameesh of village Jajjal, Talwandi Sabo ,village of cotton belt with hydrocephaly, cancer and neurological defect . 
Photograph of person with premature aging. The person on the left side is 50 years old and the right one is 70 years old but there seems little difference between the age of two from their exrenal appearence.The former looks more aged from his present age.
Picture of boy with grey hairs at the age of 13 years.Many other children of village Jajjal were observed to have about 70 % of their hairs grey.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
DNA damage in Punjab farmers due to pesticides- A study by Punjabi university
Following research presents the abstarct of the study conducted on the farmers of Punjab by a research scholar of Punajbi University on the effect of various pesticides used on the DNA of the farmers. The present study has been conducted with a view to investigate the potential genetic hazards associated with occupational exposure to various pesticides in selected districts of Punjab.The study was carried out on 210 occupationally exposed workers and revealed DNA damage in 35.71% cases. In case of control subjects, DNA damage was detected in 8%cases only .
ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC DAMAGE IN WORKERS OCCUPATIONALLY EXPOSED TO VARIOUS PESTICIDES IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF PUNJAB
RAMINDERJEET KAUR, Department of Human Biology, Punjabi University, Patiala
Key Words: Pesticides, Comet Assay, Genetic Damage, Agriculture workers, Comet tail length.
Abstract:
Pesticides are unavoidable in agriculture as they are useful in enhancing crop productivity. Despite the beneficial affects associated with their use, many of them form a potential hazard to human and mother nature. The present study has been conducted with a view to investigate the potential genetic hazards associated with occupational exposure to various pesticides in selected districts of Punjab. In order to determine possible genotoxic effects in agricultural workers, blood samples were taken from 210 workers divided into three groups i.e. group A (orchard sprayers), group B (vegetable sprayers) and group C (wheat, paddy, cotton etc. sprayers) one day after spraying during intense spraying activity. Seventy samples for each group A, B and C and fifty samples for a control group of normal healthy age matched individuals were taken. Twenty cases each from group A, B and C were selected for a follow up study amongst those workers who showed DNA damage. Second sampling of follow up cases was done during a period of null or minimum spraying 5-6 months after first sampling. Genetic damage was assessed using alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay. One hundred cells were examined for each individual and measurements were recorded with the help of ocular micrometer. Two comet parameters viz. head diameter and tail length were measured in micrometers (µm) and a third one i.e. T/N index was derived from these parameters. A fourth parameter i.e. the frequency of cells showing migration was calculated by scoring damaged cells and total cells on the slide. Highly significant increase in genetic damage was observed in exposed group compared to control. Workers of all the three exposed groups showed interindividual as well as intra-individual variations in four comet parameters while control group subjects showed quite homogenous results. The frequency of genetic damage was significantly reduced in the follow up cases of all the three groups. Duration of exposure did not significantly influence the level of DNA damage in three exposed groups as no correlation between genetic damage and duration of exposure was found. Herbicides were found to show more deleterious effect in comparison to other classes of pesticides. No significant increase in genetic damage was seen with the increase in age of the workers. No correlation was observed between smoking and genetic damage in the three groups. Non-vegetarians and alcoholics showed slightly higher incidence of genetic damage than vegetarians and non-alcoholics but the differences were non-significant. With respect to the use of protective clothing and devices, individuals exhibited lower values of comet parameters than those who did not take any safety measure, but the differences were statistically non-significant .
Pesticide Residues in Blood Samples from Villages of Punjab-A report by CSE, Delhi
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/Images/20050615/Punjab_blood_report.pdf
Pesticide is a general term for substances, which are used to poison pests (weeds, insects, molds,
rodents etc.). The pesticides most acutely dangerous to humans are insecticides and rodenticides. Synthetic pesticides have been popular with farmers, because of their widespread availability,simplicity in application, efficacy and economic returns. But they also have huge environmental costs.After India’s Green Revolution started, the consumption of pesticides in India has increased several hundred folds, from 154 MT in 1954 to 88,000 MT in 2000-2001. According to industry estimates, the pesticide use has high growth potential in India, as the use of agricultural pesticides is markedly low at 0.54 kg /ha as against 3.7 kg/ha in USA and 2.7 kg/ha in Europe. Notwithstanding the fact that overall consumption of pesticides in India as a whole is low than that used in the developed countries of the world, there is still a widespread contamination of water, soil and air with pesticide residues. In India, among different states maximum consumption of pesticides-1999-2000 was in Uttar Pradesh(7459 MT) followed by Punjab (6972 MT), Haryana (5025 MT), Andhra Pradesh (4054 MT), Gujarat(3646 MT). Leading pesticides used in India include monocrotophos (10700 MT- highest consumed),
acephate (6400MT), endosulfan (5600 MT) and chlorpyrifos (5000 MT - fourth highest consumed).(Source: Pesticide Information, Volume XXVIII, No. 3, October- December 2002).
About 54% of the total pesticides used in Indian agriculture are consumed on cotton alone, though it accounts for only 5% of the total cultivated area (Puri et al, 1999) and nearly 20-25 per cent are used for the control of sucking pests and bollworm. Pesticides have become integral part of villagers in Punjab. Bhatinda district in Punjab, an important cotton belt of the country irrigated by canal water grows largely cotton and rice crop –the two crops known for excessive use of pesticides. The Punjab Agricultural University at Ludhiana recommends only seven sprays on cotton in six months, but farmers in Bhatinda spray as many as 32 times. (www.indiatogether.org). Many people are using empty containers of pesticide for storing most of the food items. (Source: An epidemiological study of cancer cases reported from villages of Talwandi Sabo block district Bhatinda, Punjab, Final Report, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala). Several studies have shown pesticide residues in breast milk (Kalra et al, 1994), bovine milk (Kalra et al, 1999), fruits and vegetables from Punjab and a few reports of high incidence of cancer have been coming from certain areas of Punjab since last few years. An epidemiological study was conducted in villages of Talwandi Sabo block, district Bhatinda by the Chandigarh based Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on behalf of the Punjab Government to assess whether cancer cases are higher in these areas. A total population of 183243 consisting of 39732 families in 129 villages- a population of 85315 in 36 villages of Talwandi Sabo block of Bhatinda district and a reference population of 97928 in 93 villages of Chamkaur Sahib block of Roop Nagar district - was surveyed. A total of 7441 deaths were recorded which occurred in last 10 years (1993-2003). Age adjusted cancer
death rate per 1,00,000 population per year at Talwandi Sahib was 51.2 while in control area
Chamkaur Sahib it was 30.3. Age adjusted prevalence of confirmed cancer cases was 103 per lakh at Talwandi Saboo and 71 per lakh in Chamkaur Sahib. Cancer of female reproductive system, i.e. breast, uterus/cervix and ovary were more common in Talwandi sabo whereas cancer of blood and lymphatic system, esophagus and bones were more common in Chamkaur Sahib block.(Source: An epidemiological study of cancer cases reported from villages of Talwandi Sabo block district Bhatinda, Punjab, Final Report, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala)
Not many studies have been carried out to confirm that pesticides are responsible for various incidences of cancer and other diseases in Punjab but the research worldwide has shown
that pesticides do produce these effects. Biological monitoring provides the basis for estimating an internal chemical doze by measuring pesticide and their metabolite compound concentrations in selected tissues, fluids, or bodily waste (feces and or urine) (Woollen, 1993). Analysis of blood
provides evidence of exposure of the body to pesticides and gives an indication of the body burden of the pesticide residues. Monitoring OC concentration in blood is most appropriate because these pesticides are lipophilic in nature. Similarly, monitoring OP concentrations in blood or blood products (serum, plasma) offers several advantages. The parent compounds can be monitored directly in blood products instead of their metabolites, which are usually measured in urine. Blood measurements provide an estimation of the dose available for the target site, allowing for prediction of dose-response relationships. Furthermore, because blood is a regulated fluid (the volume does not vary substantially with water intake or other factors), the blood concentrations of toxicants measured at a specific time interval after exposure will remain the same as long as the absorbed amounts are constant; therfore no corrections for dilution are necessary. ( Wessels et al , 2003)
PML scientists visited Punjab and collected blood samples from 20 randomly selected people from 4 different villages of Punjab - Mahi Nangal, Jajjal and Balloh in Bhatinda district and
Dher in Ropar district. Agricultural fields surrounded these villages and pesticide use was evident.
The blood samples were analyzed with a widely and internationally used methodology based on
United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) protocols for organochlorine pesticides with Electron Capture Detector and organophosphorus pesticide with Nitrogen Phosphorus detector using a capillary column. Results are presented in this report.
Pesticide is a general term for substances, which are used to poison pests (weeds, insects, molds,
rodents etc.). The pesticides most acutely dangerous to humans are insecticides and rodenticides. Synthetic pesticides have been popular with farmers, because of their widespread availability,simplicity in application, efficacy and economic returns. But they also have huge environmental costs.After India’s Green Revolution started, the consumption of pesticides in India has increased several hundred folds, from 154 MT in 1954 to 88,000 MT in 2000-2001. According to industry estimates, the pesticide use has high growth potential in India, as the use of agricultural pesticides is markedly low at 0.54 kg /ha as against 3.7 kg/ha in USA and 2.7 kg/ha in Europe. Notwithstanding the fact that overall consumption of pesticides in India as a whole is low than that used in the developed countries of the world, there is still a widespread contamination of water, soil and air with pesticide residues. In India, among different states maximum consumption of pesticides-1999-2000 was in Uttar Pradesh(7459 MT) followed by Punjab (6972 MT), Haryana (5025 MT), Andhra Pradesh (4054 MT), Gujarat(3646 MT). Leading pesticides used in India include monocrotophos (10700 MT- highest consumed),
acephate (6400MT), endosulfan (5600 MT) and chlorpyrifos (5000 MT - fourth highest consumed).(Source: Pesticide Information, Volume XXVIII, No. 3, October- December 2002).
About 54% of the total pesticides used in Indian agriculture are consumed on cotton alone, though it accounts for only 5% of the total cultivated area (Puri et al, 1999) and nearly 20-25 per cent are used for the control of sucking pests and bollworm. Pesticides have become integral part of villagers in Punjab. Bhatinda district in Punjab, an important cotton belt of the country irrigated by canal water grows largely cotton and rice crop –the two crops known for excessive use of pesticides. The Punjab Agricultural University at Ludhiana recommends only seven sprays on cotton in six months, but farmers in Bhatinda spray as many as 32 times. (www.indiatogether.org). Many people are using empty containers of pesticide for storing most of the food items. (Source: An epidemiological study of cancer cases reported from villages of Talwandi Sabo block district Bhatinda, Punjab, Final Report, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala). Several studies have shown pesticide residues in breast milk (Kalra et al, 1994), bovine milk (Kalra et al, 1999), fruits and vegetables from Punjab and a few reports of high incidence of cancer have been coming from certain areas of Punjab since last few years. An epidemiological study was conducted in villages of Talwandi Sabo block, district Bhatinda by the Chandigarh based Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on behalf of the Punjab Government to assess whether cancer cases are higher in these areas. A total population of 183243 consisting of 39732 families in 129 villages- a population of 85315 in 36 villages of Talwandi Sabo block of Bhatinda district and a reference population of 97928 in 93 villages of Chamkaur Sahib block of Roop Nagar district - was surveyed. A total of 7441 deaths were recorded which occurred in last 10 years (1993-2003). Age adjusted cancer
death rate per 1,00,000 population per year at Talwandi Sahib was 51.2 while in control area
Chamkaur Sahib it was 30.3. Age adjusted prevalence of confirmed cancer cases was 103 per lakh at Talwandi Saboo and 71 per lakh in Chamkaur Sahib. Cancer of female reproductive system, i.e. breast, uterus/cervix and ovary were more common in Talwandi sabo whereas cancer of blood and lymphatic system, esophagus and bones were more common in Chamkaur Sahib block.(Source: An epidemiological study of cancer cases reported from villages of Talwandi Sabo block district Bhatinda, Punjab, Final Report, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala)
Not many studies have been carried out to confirm that pesticides are responsible for various incidences of cancer and other diseases in Punjab but the research worldwide has shown
that pesticides do produce these effects. Biological monitoring provides the basis for estimating an internal chemical doze by measuring pesticide and their metabolite compound concentrations in selected tissues, fluids, or bodily waste (feces and or urine) (Woollen, 1993). Analysis of blood
provides evidence of exposure of the body to pesticides and gives an indication of the body burden of the pesticide residues. Monitoring OC concentration in blood is most appropriate because these pesticides are lipophilic in nature. Similarly, monitoring OP concentrations in blood or blood products (serum, plasma) offers several advantages. The parent compounds can be monitored directly in blood products instead of their metabolites, which are usually measured in urine. Blood measurements provide an estimation of the dose available for the target site, allowing for prediction of dose-response relationships. Furthermore, because blood is a regulated fluid (the volume does not vary substantially with water intake or other factors), the blood concentrations of toxicants measured at a specific time interval after exposure will remain the same as long as the absorbed amounts are constant; therfore no corrections for dilution are necessary. ( Wessels et al , 2003)
PML scientists visited Punjab and collected blood samples from 20 randomly selected people from 4 different villages of Punjab - Mahi Nangal, Jajjal and Balloh in Bhatinda district and
Dher in Ropar district. Agricultural fields surrounded these villages and pesticide use was evident.
The blood samples were analyzed with a widely and internationally used methodology based on
United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) protocols for organochlorine pesticides with Electron Capture Detector and organophosphorus pesticide with Nitrogen Phosphorus detector using a capillary column. Results are presented in this report.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
ORGANIC FARMERS IN PUNJAB
S. INDERJIT SINGH (VILL. SAHOLI, NABHA)
S. CHAN SINGH (VILL. SAHOLI, NABHA)
S. JORA SINGH (PATRAN, DISTT. PATIALA)ORGANIC VEGETABLES IN PUNJAB
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF PESTISIDES IN VEGETABLE BELT
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF PESTISIDES IN VEGETABLE BELT
A STUDY CONDUCTED BY KHETI VIRASAT
IN MALERKOTLA AREA OF PUNJAB
PUNJAB: Pesticides taking away the prosperity and Health
Malerkotla –The formally princely town in district Sangrur of Punjab, with approximately population of 1 lack predominately industrial city known for its craftsmanship and artisans. In agriculture field it is also famous for its vegetable production. Malerkotla is a hub for about villages for agriculture production and vegetable production and these vegetables are mainly supplied to Manchester of Punjab i.e. Ludhiana.
From last few years the eating habits of urban class are changing fast and ‘off season’ vegetables are becoming popular day by day. These off-season vegetables are more prone to pest attack. There is famous saying in the area that cauliflower produced in the months of September to December may called as ‘Malathion-flower’ as it contains very high amount of deadliest pesticide Malathion along with Spark, Padan, acelex, ostathion, Malathion, methomly $0%sp, Choloropyriphos 50% + cypermethrin 5%, profenofos 50% Ec, curacron, coroban, monocil, pruacron+ ostathion, neurocombi, classic 20, novoluron 10%ec (rimon), avent, indozacarb 14.5 5 sc(fego), cypermethrin + hostathion, propargite 575 wettasui powder, EDNOSULPHAN. The use of pesticide -cocktail is the common phenomina in cotton belt but here in vegetable area the Kheti Virasat team came across the horrifying truth that vegetable growers are mixing three to four pesticides at a time to make super cocktail even they use to mix powdered pesticides. No agriculture extension worker or official is taking note of this. The vegetable grower farmers though knows very well that making this super cocktail is dangerous trend but due to heavy pest attack and pests becoming resistant to normal pesticides farmers are making their own ‘killer-pesticides’.
All these pesticides are belonging to different classes. And farmers are spraying these pesticides almost each second or third day but one thing is clear that every lot of vegetables grown in this area is sprayed one or another pesticides everyday.
As Kheti Virasat is working on issue on environmental heath in Punjab and taken up several studies regarding health impacts of pesticides in the continuation of these studies Kheti Virasat has taken up a brief study among the vegetable growth of Malerkotla area. This study was designed to check hazardous effect on health of great number of workers engaged to exposure of pesticides, this study has been conducted mainly focused on the exposure and health risks to farmers and pesticides applicators. During the study it was found that the most common symptoms were headache, skin irritation, stomach pain, vomiting, eye irritation, blurred vision and pesticide poisoning. These workers are unaware that these non-specific symptoms may indicate exposure to hazardous chemicals and they are at risk of developing more persistent effects. A significant minority of suffers experienced symptoms associated with insult to the nervous system- fatigue, difficulty in concentration, allergies and various problems of respiratory system. While having a look into their living standard, low economic was found with annual income only reaching to 10,000 to 20,000 Rs. So instead of rising the living standard pesticides only raised there expenditures. Hygienic conditions are also poor among hired workers. Tobacco addiction habit is very familiar in these workers that may be linked to low income, depression and tension. Females are too engaged in agriculture works. They show a large number of problems .A large number of genetic defects has been found in these peoples. Incidence of cancers of various types was high in these workers surprisingly. They tend to experience an increase in human reproductive diseases like infertility due to various reasons. Dichlorovos and Malathion are commonly used so visual impairments, breathing difficulty (asthma and allergies of upper respiratory tract) and weakness is very common. Lack of protective equipments was found among all workers, which may exacerbate hazards by prolonging the time during which pesticides are in contact with the skin. So dermatological exposure and inhalation while breathing is found to be quite common.
In the light of above informations pesticides can be explored as potential toxicant. Chronic effects thought to involve pesticides include carcinogens, neurotoxicity, reproductive and developmental effects.
As these farmers work on the fields throughout the year, thus, the population has rather uniform exposure conditions. So pesticides problem is a great threat to environment and ecology and is thus paying with health of communities. So owing to raise in the environmental hazards human health research programme should be raised and along with this they should be made aware about various harmful effects. Alternatives to pesticides should be the main concern of the time to save the humanity.
Kheti Virasat team experienced a very amazing fact during its visit to six villages.
VILLAGES POPULATION
1. Dalelgarh, 1500
2. Dugni, 2000
3. Ballamgarh, 2000
4. Binzo ke Kalan, 1200
5. Binzo ke khurd 2000
6. Basti Jamalpura(a part of Malerkota town)
These villages are adjoining to Malerkotla town of Sangrur district when noticed exceptionally high number of mental retired cased in these villages. All these villages are near Malerkotla. A number of vegetable grower families are living here. These families mostly grow cauliflower, brinjal, chilli, spinach, radish, tammato, lady-finger, gourd, cabbage, squash gourd and pumpkin etc. Most of them are from Muslim community. They are mostly landless and take lands for growing vegetables on annual contracts.
As interviewed most of there farmers own very little land and cultivate over hired lands. Maximum spraying is done on there vegetables, which consume a lot of money over pesticides. Due to these pesticides very common symptoms like headache, nausea, anxiety, high blood pressure, allergies of skin and upper respirary tract are much prevalent among them. Here 8 patients of down syndrome were found in Dalelgarh. Among this population there are so many cases of mental retire ness. Down syndrome cases were also found among this population. Two death cases with cancer were also noticed Dalelgarh.
In village Dugni the ill effects of pesticides were also seen over there. Here 12 children were found metal retired. 3 children from one family were found mental retired. In this village 3 couple were found childless. All these adverse effects are because of pesticides. In this village most of families are vegetable growers. These families also use pesticides in their fields. Even women also work in the fields during the time of plucking and removing weeds. So some effect on them is also expected.
Adverse effects of pesticides were also seen in Ballamgarh village. People living in this village are also related with vegetable growers. In this village Asthma was found in 10 children due to pesticides. 10 persons has permanent allergy from pesticides.
The Basti Jamalpur one of the area of Malerkotla town engaged in vegetable cultivation over maximum area. Though people of all communities reside over there mainly Muslim community is growing vegetables. As interviewed most of these farmers own very little land and cultivate over hired lands. Maximum spraying is done over these vegetables (after each second or third day) which consumes lot of money over pesticides. Annual income is of much lower graph and almost all belong to low socio-economic status. All these workers are unaware of use of protective measures to be used while spraying and thus a rise in the dermal exposure is their very common symptoms like headache, nausea, anxiety, high blood pressure, allergies of skin and upper respirary tract are much prevalent among them. Besides this some cases of infertility and 8 patient of down syndrome were observed. This high incidence may be due to inbreeding (Marriage with in the group or cousin marriage) prevalent in this community. Their main ancestral occupation is to grow vegetables and from last 40-50 years they are doing the same. Females too work in the fields during the time of plucking and removing weeds. So some effect on them is also expected.
AWARENESS LEVEL:
People living in above villages don’t use precautionary measures while using pesticides. They have never educated about precautions. They have no interaction with departments of agriculture so that they can educate about the harmfulness of pesticides. The use of pesticides is very high. Same the adverse effects has been seen due to use of pesticides. So people should educated about the proper use of pesticides. In these kind of areas NPM (No Pest Management) and bio pest control should be propagated with the support of voluntary agencies and organic farmers.
Thus Kheti Virasat proposes to promote cultivation of organic vegetables in the area and for this the awareness among the farmers is needed urgently. Kheti Virasat also feels that a detailed survey should be taken in area to know that actual status of pesticides consumption, its quantity, patterns, so called cocktail usage and its ecological and health impacts.
Kheti Virasat is also planning to undertake a series of tests including soil, water, vegetables, fodder, milk, other crops along with scientific and clinical tests in the area.
THE TEAM:
Surinder Singh ( Director: Kheti Virasat) and Dr.Raminderjit Kaur
A STUDY CONDUCTED BY KHETI VIRASAT
IN MALERKOTLA AREA OF PUNJAB
PUNJAB: Pesticides taking away the prosperity and Health
Malerkotla –The formally princely town in district Sangrur of Punjab, with approximately population of 1 lack predominately industrial city known for its craftsmanship and artisans. In agriculture field it is also famous for its vegetable production. Malerkotla is a hub for about villages for agriculture production and vegetable production and these vegetables are mainly supplied to Manchester of Punjab i.e. Ludhiana.
From last few years the eating habits of urban class are changing fast and ‘off season’ vegetables are becoming popular day by day. These off-season vegetables are more prone to pest attack. There is famous saying in the area that cauliflower produced in the months of September to December may called as ‘Malathion-flower’ as it contains very high amount of deadliest pesticide Malathion along with Spark, Padan, acelex, ostathion, Malathion, methomly $0%sp, Choloropyriphos 50% + cypermethrin 5%, profenofos 50% Ec, curacron, coroban, monocil, pruacron+ ostathion, neurocombi, classic 20, novoluron 10%ec (rimon), avent, indozacarb 14.5 5 sc(fego), cypermethrin + hostathion, propargite 575 wettasui powder, EDNOSULPHAN. The use of pesticide -cocktail is the common phenomina in cotton belt but here in vegetable area the Kheti Virasat team came across the horrifying truth that vegetable growers are mixing three to four pesticides at a time to make super cocktail even they use to mix powdered pesticides. No agriculture extension worker or official is taking note of this. The vegetable grower farmers though knows very well that making this super cocktail is dangerous trend but due to heavy pest attack and pests becoming resistant to normal pesticides farmers are making their own ‘killer-pesticides’.
All these pesticides are belonging to different classes. And farmers are spraying these pesticides almost each second or third day but one thing is clear that every lot of vegetables grown in this area is sprayed one or another pesticides everyday.
As Kheti Virasat is working on issue on environmental heath in Punjab and taken up several studies regarding health impacts of pesticides in the continuation of these studies Kheti Virasat has taken up a brief study among the vegetable growth of Malerkotla area. This study was designed to check hazardous effect on health of great number of workers engaged to exposure of pesticides, this study has been conducted mainly focused on the exposure and health risks to farmers and pesticides applicators. During the study it was found that the most common symptoms were headache, skin irritation, stomach pain, vomiting, eye irritation, blurred vision and pesticide poisoning. These workers are unaware that these non-specific symptoms may indicate exposure to hazardous chemicals and they are at risk of developing more persistent effects. A significant minority of suffers experienced symptoms associated with insult to the nervous system- fatigue, difficulty in concentration, allergies and various problems of respiratory system. While having a look into their living standard, low economic was found with annual income only reaching to 10,000 to 20,000 Rs. So instead of rising the living standard pesticides only raised there expenditures. Hygienic conditions are also poor among hired workers. Tobacco addiction habit is very familiar in these workers that may be linked to low income, depression and tension. Females are too engaged in agriculture works. They show a large number of problems .A large number of genetic defects has been found in these peoples. Incidence of cancers of various types was high in these workers surprisingly. They tend to experience an increase in human reproductive diseases like infertility due to various reasons. Dichlorovos and Malathion are commonly used so visual impairments, breathing difficulty (asthma and allergies of upper respiratory tract) and weakness is very common. Lack of protective equipments was found among all workers, which may exacerbate hazards by prolonging the time during which pesticides are in contact with the skin. So dermatological exposure and inhalation while breathing is found to be quite common.
In the light of above informations pesticides can be explored as potential toxicant. Chronic effects thought to involve pesticides include carcinogens, neurotoxicity, reproductive and developmental effects.
As these farmers work on the fields throughout the year, thus, the population has rather uniform exposure conditions. So pesticides problem is a great threat to environment and ecology and is thus paying with health of communities. So owing to raise in the environmental hazards human health research programme should be raised and along with this they should be made aware about various harmful effects. Alternatives to pesticides should be the main concern of the time to save the humanity.
Kheti Virasat team experienced a very amazing fact during its visit to six villages.
VILLAGES POPULATION
1. Dalelgarh, 1500
2. Dugni, 2000
3. Ballamgarh, 2000
4. Binzo ke Kalan, 1200
5. Binzo ke khurd 2000
6. Basti Jamalpura(a part of Malerkota town)
These villages are adjoining to Malerkotla town of Sangrur district when noticed exceptionally high number of mental retired cased in these villages. All these villages are near Malerkotla. A number of vegetable grower families are living here. These families mostly grow cauliflower, brinjal, chilli, spinach, radish, tammato, lady-finger, gourd, cabbage, squash gourd and pumpkin etc. Most of them are from Muslim community. They are mostly landless and take lands for growing vegetables on annual contracts.
As interviewed most of there farmers own very little land and cultivate over hired lands. Maximum spraying is done on there vegetables, which consume a lot of money over pesticides. Due to these pesticides very common symptoms like headache, nausea, anxiety, high blood pressure, allergies of skin and upper respirary tract are much prevalent among them. Here 8 patients of down syndrome were found in Dalelgarh. Among this population there are so many cases of mental retire ness. Down syndrome cases were also found among this population. Two death cases with cancer were also noticed Dalelgarh.
In village Dugni the ill effects of pesticides were also seen over there. Here 12 children were found metal retired. 3 children from one family were found mental retired. In this village 3 couple were found childless. All these adverse effects are because of pesticides. In this village most of families are vegetable growers. These families also use pesticides in their fields. Even women also work in the fields during the time of plucking and removing weeds. So some effect on them is also expected.
Adverse effects of pesticides were also seen in Ballamgarh village. People living in this village are also related with vegetable growers. In this village Asthma was found in 10 children due to pesticides. 10 persons has permanent allergy from pesticides.
The Basti Jamalpur one of the area of Malerkotla town engaged in vegetable cultivation over maximum area. Though people of all communities reside over there mainly Muslim community is growing vegetables. As interviewed most of these farmers own very little land and cultivate over hired lands. Maximum spraying is done over these vegetables (after each second or third day) which consumes lot of money over pesticides. Annual income is of much lower graph and almost all belong to low socio-economic status. All these workers are unaware of use of protective measures to be used while spraying and thus a rise in the dermal exposure is their very common symptoms like headache, nausea, anxiety, high blood pressure, allergies of skin and upper respirary tract are much prevalent among them. Besides this some cases of infertility and 8 patient of down syndrome were observed. This high incidence may be due to inbreeding (Marriage with in the group or cousin marriage) prevalent in this community. Their main ancestral occupation is to grow vegetables and from last 40-50 years they are doing the same. Females too work in the fields during the time of plucking and removing weeds. So some effect on them is also expected.
AWARENESS LEVEL:
People living in above villages don’t use precautionary measures while using pesticides. They have never educated about precautions. They have no interaction with departments of agriculture so that they can educate about the harmfulness of pesticides. The use of pesticides is very high. Same the adverse effects has been seen due to use of pesticides. So people should educated about the proper use of pesticides. In these kind of areas NPM (No Pest Management) and bio pest control should be propagated with the support of voluntary agencies and organic farmers.
Thus Kheti Virasat proposes to promote cultivation of organic vegetables in the area and for this the awareness among the farmers is needed urgently. Kheti Virasat also feels that a detailed survey should be taken in area to know that actual status of pesticides consumption, its quantity, patterns, so called cocktail usage and its ecological and health impacts.
Kheti Virasat is also planning to undertake a series of tests including soil, water, vegetables, fodder, milk, other crops along with scientific and clinical tests in the area.
THE TEAM:
Surinder Singh ( Director: Kheti Virasat) and Dr.Raminderjit Kaur
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