Kisan Kavach

Kisan Kavach: India's First Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit

The Ministry of Science & Technology recently introduced Kisan Kavach, an innovative protective bodysuit designed to shield farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure.

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About Kisan Kavach

• Purpose: Protects farmers from health risks like respiratory disorders, vision loss, and pesticide poisoning.
• Material: Made from oxime fabric, which chemically breaks down pesticides when sprayed on the body or clothing during agricultural operations.
• Technology:
  • Utilizes nucleophilic-mediated hydrolysis to deactivate pesticides on cotton fabric.
  • Ensures enhanced safety and durability for field usage.
• Development: Created by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd.

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Pesticide Usage and Impact in India

• Usage: India used over 61,000 tonnes of pesticides in 2020, according to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
• Production: India produces approximately four times more pesticides than it consumes.
• Health Impact:
  • Globally, there are 385 million cases of acute pesticide poisoning annually, leading to 11,000 deaths, with South Asia being the worst affected region.
  • Pesticide exposure among farmers has been linked to severe health conditions and fatalities.

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Significance of Kisan Kavach

• Farmer Safety: Reduces pesticide-related health hazards and fatalities among agricultural workers.
• Environmental Protection: Mitigates pesticide contamination by breaking down harmful chemicals.
• Innovation in Agriculture: Demonstrates India’s commitment to leveraging science and technology for sustainable farming practices.

This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize farm safety practices, ensuring better health outcomes for India’s agricultural workforce while promoting safer pesticide handling.

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