MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a)&(b): On the directives of the National Human Rights Commission, the National Institute of
Occupational Health of the Indian Council of Medical Research had submitted its report on investigation
of unusual illnesses allegedly caused by exposure to Endosulfan in Padre Village of Kasargod District in
N.Kerala. NIOH has observed significantly higher prevalence of unusual diseases like mental retardation,
congenital defects and abnormalities of re-productive system in children in the affected villages of
Kasargod district of North Kerala due to aerial spraying of endosulfan over the cashew plantation.
(c)to(e): The Central Government and State Governments conduct awareness campaigns for safe
and judicious use of pesticide through various training programmes for extension functionaries and
officials of Agriculture Departments of Central and State Governments at National Plant Protection.
Training Institute, Hyderabad and other locations, who in turn train farmers across the nation regarding
this aspect.
The labels, leaflets and packaging of pesticides, approved by the Registration Committee
constituted under Section 5 of the Insecticides Act, 1968 also contain detailed instructions/information on
safe use of pesticides.
Further, under the Integrated Pest Management approach, Farmers Field Schools are organized to
train farmers in safe and judicious use of pesticides with the aim of preventing misuse or excessive use
thereof.
