India
Ramesh Chennithala also demanded strict action against the unauthorised dealers of pesticides in Kerala and a detailed inquiry into the death of two farmers
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala has asked for an investigation into the deaths of two farmers, who suffered from pesticide poisoning.
Chennithala has also announced Rs 4 lakh as financial aid for the family of Sanil Kumar. Congress also decided that the financial assistance will be given through Gandhigraham house project. So, Sanal's family will get a house.
Sanil Kumar (42) and Mathai Esho (68), natives of Kazhipppily colony, died after spraying pesticides on a paddy field in Thiruvalla, Kerala. Both of them died on January 19 at Changanassery taluk hospital.
It is reported that the two of them had sprayed the insecticide known as ‘Virat’ in excess on January 18, which eventually proved fatal.
Chennithala was talking to media after visiting houses of the deceased. He also told media that complaints against the use of artificial pesticides in upper Kuttanad has been reported about for a very long time now.
The deceased farmers are martyrs of illegal pesticide use and officers from the agriculture department are responsible for their death, he added.
Chennithala also said the ignorance of the government towards the agriculture department is also evident with these deaths.
Chennithala also said he would submit a letter to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the death of the farmers. He stressed on the fact that he would request the government to provide financial aid to the farmers' family and would also request the government to take care of the education of Sanal's children.
The opposition leader also demanded strict action against unauthorised dealers of pesticides in Kerala and requested a detailed inquiry into the incident.
Meanwhile, three other farmers, who also felt uneasy after spraying the pesticide, were admitted at a government hospital in Changanassery.
The agriculture department official addressed media stating that there are at least 3,000 paddy fields in the panchayat. Some farmers follow the limits on pesticide usage set by the agriculture department, while others don’t, the official added.
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