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Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmers’ Health (in Barwani and Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh)

Investigation Report

Oct - Dec 2005

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's Health

An investigation report on “Impact of Bt cotton on farmers’ Health”(In Barwani and Dhar District of M.P.)

Investigation TeamDr Ashish Gupta, MBBS, is presently working with a voluntary organisation at Indore and is associated with Jan Swasthya Abhiyan.Ashish Mandloi, a graduate of Barwani College, Barwani, is an activist of Narmada Bachao Andolan for the last 12 years and associated with National Alliance of Peoples’ Movements (NAPM).Amulya Nidhi, MA, MSW, specializing in Urban and Rural community Development, Pune is health activist working in Maharastra and Madhya Pradesh and associated with Shilpi Trust, and Jan Swasthya Abhiyan.

Contact :

Dr Ashish Gupta, 103A, Aurobindo Hospital,Sanwer Road, Indore. [email protected] Mandloi, Narmada Bacaho Andolan, 62, Mahatama Gandhi Road, Barwani.M.P.451551. 07290-222464,[email protected] Nidhi, Shilpi Kendra, 22, Shanti Nagar, near Sri Nagar Extension,Khajrana Road, Indore. 09425311547. [email protected]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthThis Investigation has been conducted by us based on the observation and Experience of Farmers and Activist working in Nimad region of Madhya Pradesh. The Team acknowledges the people of the villages, Activist of Narmada Bachao Andolan, who have responded to the survey. The people have had much belief and conviction that this report would help activate a dialogue between the people and the Seed Company as well as with the Government. It will also stimulate further study as there is no comprehensive health and risk assessment carried out in context with B.T. Cotton.

The team specially acknowledges all Individuals who assisted us in investigation and all who have extended their support towards this endeavor. We are thankful to Vinay, Agriculture Engineer, Dr. Debasis Banerjee, Agriculture Scientist, and Dr. Somesh Gupta, Doctor for their invaluable inputs. The team recognises the contribution of Mr. Laxminarayan Sohner for publication of this report.

Investigation Team: With assistance fromAshish Gupta Snehal Ashish MandaloiAmulya Nidhi

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INDEX___________________________________________________

1. Introduction 1.1 Bt in MP and Nimad1.2 What is Bt Cotton1.3 Genetically Modified (GM) seeds

2. Agriculture Operations involved in cotton3. Methodology and coverage4. Limitation of this Investigation .5. Analysis

5.1 Agriculturists, farmers, farm labourers,5.2 Type and Severity of the Symptoms5.3 Eyes and Respiratory Tract:5.4 The relationship between exposure and symptoms5.5 Ginning factory labourers and owner5.6 Doctor practicing in the area5.7 Some unanswered Questions 5.8 What is Allergy in Medical Practice and what is Contact

Dermatitis?5.9 Agriculture Scientist and Plausibility

(or mechanism of action) 6. Conclusion and RecomendationANNEXURES:Annexure-1: Names of persons surveyed Annexure-2. Questionnaire

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Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's health

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1-State wise Cotton Area (lakh-hectares) and Production for 2004-05.Table 2 - Projection of Bt cotton planting area in India (hectares)Table 3- Symptoms pertaining to Skin (Multiple Response)Table 4- Parts of Skin Affected (Multiple Response)Table 5- Symptoms pertaining to EyesTable 6- Symptoms pertaining to Upper Respiratory System (URS)Table 7- Severity of illness Table 8- Effect on exposed or covered partsTable 9- Place of exposureTable 10-Agricultural Operation leading to the symptomsTable 11-Stage of the crop

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1. INTRODUCTION

Cotton provides a livelihood to more than 60 million people in India by way of support in agriculture, processing, and use of cotton in textiles. Cotton contributes 29.8% of the Indian agricultural gross domestic product, and nearly nine million hectares of land in India is used to produce 14.2 million bales of cotton lint1. Maharashtra, Gujrat and Andhra Pradesh are major cotton growing states of India. The state wise distribution of cultivation area and production of cotton is given in Table-1.

Table 1-State wise Cotton Area (lakh-hectares) and Production for 2004-05.

State Area in (lakh-hectares)

Production (lakh-Bales) 1Bale=170 Kgs

Maharashtra 30.49 52

Gujrat 19.00 64

Andhra Pradesh 11.42 32.5

Hariyana 6.50 15

Madhya Pradesh 5.86 16

Karnataka 5.33 9.5

Punjab 5.08 16.5

Rajasthan 2.48 10.5

1Prospects for Bt. Cotton Technology in India R.B. Barwale, V.R. Gadwal, Usha Zehr, and Brent

Zehr Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company, India; Volume 7 // Number 1 & 2 // Article

4.AgBioForum.

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Tamilnadu 1.63 5.5

Source :All India Co-ordinated Cotton Improvement Project, Annual report 2004-05

On March 26, 2002, cultivation of Genetically Modified Bt. cotton in India was permitted for cultivation by a special approval committee of MOEF, the GEAC (Genetically Engineering Approval Committee). Commercial cultivation of Bt. cotton hybrids in India, in 2002 was 38,038 Hectares and in M.P. 2220 Hectares. Bt. cotton comprised 0.78% in India of the hybrid cotton area in 2002. It was projected that the 2003/04 and 2004/05 seasons would have Bt. coverage of 6.40% and 11.65% 560,000 Hectares, respectively. Percentages were based on the total of 4.8 million hectares of hybrid cotton area in India.

Table 2 - Projection of Bt cotton planting area in India (hectares)2

Hybrids2002/03 2003/04 2004/05Area %a Area %a Area %a

MECH-12 292 0.01 80,000 1.66 80,000 1.66MECH-162 25,274 0.52 160,000 3.33 160,000 3.33MECH-184 12,472 0.25 28,000 0.58 40,000 0.83New hybridsb — — 40,000 0.83 280,000 5.83Total 38,038 0.78 92,000 6.40 560,000 11.65a % = percentage of area under hybrid cotton. Percentages are based on the present total of 4.8 million hectares of hybrid cotton area in India.b New hybrids will be made available only on the approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Figures for new hybrids also include the sales figures of the hybrids developed by the sublicensees.

2All the above data has been taken from article Prospects for Bt. Cotton Technology in India R.B.

Barwale, V.R. Gadwal, Usha Zehr, and Brent Zehr Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company, India; Volume 7 // Number 1 & 2 // Article 4.AgBioForum.

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1.1 Cotton in Madhya Pradesh and Nimad

MP is fifth largest producer of cotton in India. Malwa and Nimad regions are main cotton growing areas of MP and a large part of the economy of this region revolves around cotton. With the influx of various multinational corporations in India seed has also become an important commodity for trade and profit by these companies. Monsanto, a US based company has introduced Genetically Modified (GM) seeds in cotton (BT. Cotton) for the first time in India.

1.2 What is Bt Cotton ?

Bt signifies Bacillus Thuringiensis which is a bacteria found in the soil. Toxin from this Bacterium was being used in America as Bacterial spray to kill American Bollworm, a worm that feeds on Cotton plant and destroys it. The spray of Bt toxin was used effectively for protecting the cotton plant against American Bollworm.

Bt Cotton is a Genetically Modified Cotton (GM Cotton) in which the gene of Bacillus Thuringensis (Cry 1AC gene) was incorporated in the gene plasm of cotton plant by means of Recombinant Gene Technology. This gene while inside the plant produces a protein known as the Cry 1AC protein which acts as a toxin for the American Bollworm.

This GM technology in cotton was for the first time developed and patented by Monsanto Company of America and first imported in India by MAHYCO (Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Co) in 1996. MAHYCO-MONSANTO conducted experimentation on Bt technology with a number of High Yielding Varieties being used by Indian farmers for 2 years between 1996-98, and conducted field trials from 1998.

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At present the Bt Cotton varieties being used in M.P. are-

MECH-184,MECH-162,MECH-12,MRC-6301,RCH-138,RCH-2,RCH-118,ANKUR-09,ANKUR-651,PROGRO-144,BANNI-145,MALLIKA-207 marketed by Monsanto-Mahyco, Rassi Seeds, Ankur, Proagro, Nugivedu.

1.3 Genetically Modified (GM) Seeds:

Introduction of the Genetically Modified (GM) seeds has been subject of intense debate and has been allowed in a very few countries. Where on one hand the companies which have been trading in Bt. seeds have derived huge profits by means of sale and royalty, the claim of the seed companies of high yield, low input cost and high profits has proved to be incorrect as per experiences in several states like AP, Maharashtra, Punjab There are 3,000 listed companies on the Mumbai Stock Exchange. Out of that only 8 companies have shown consistent profits for last 15 years or so. One of these 8 cos is Monsanto India.(Source: The Economic Times, 24/09/05) . Cases of farmers committing suicide have also been reported as a result of crop failure from some places and scientist have made an attempt to study the causes leading to loss of crop, high input cost and low productivity.

2. Agriculture Operations involved in cotton.

A cotton crop on an average takes 2-3 months to mature and each plant of cotton bears 10-15 cotton bolls that burst open to expose cotton fibres. All the Bolls do not open at once but in succession in 4-6 cycles. The cotton is picked manually by means of both the hand and put into a bag slung across the shoulder. The labourers have to move inside the fields picking from each plant then the other. This operation is mostly carried out by daily waging women and is very much labour intensive and work of concentration. It saps the strength of the workers because in the months of Sept-Nov when it is picked the sun rays are very penetrating and intense. However, the payment is on contract bases i.e. each bag picked fetches Rs 15-20 and in one day one labourer is able to pick upto 8-10 bags. Cotton picking season is most lucrative for agricultural labourers as she is able to earn Rs 80-150 per day. Some of the women we

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spoke to were involved in the picking operation and felt that we were wasting their valuable time while others continued picking operation as they replying to our queries. At the end of the day the picked cotton bags are transported to the house of the farmer where it is spread in his living room and courtyard along with previous days’ cotton. After few days the farmer transfers the cotton to the Agri-market in tractors and trucks. The operations involved are loading, unloading and weighing and are done manually by labourers. From the Mandis cotton finds its way to Ginning and pressing mills. In the Ginning process the cotton is fed manually by labourers in the machines, which separate fibres and cotton seeds. The seeds are used to make cotton seed oil and cotton seed oilcakes. The ginned cotton are pressed into Bales (170Kg each) and sold to textile manufacturers. The oilcakes and cottonseeds are given to milch cattle as feed and seed oil in unrefined form is used in soap industry while refined oil is used as edible oil. In all manual operations from picking to feeding to ginning pressing machines close contact occurs with cotton fibres.

3. Methodology and Coverage-

It has been reported by some farmers of Nimad region3 of Western M.P. that Bt. cotton has been causing health hazards. In order to find out about the health aspects we conducted a preliminary inquiry in the cotton growing areas with an objective to :-

1. To identify the spectrum of symptoms which are being reported as a result of exposure of Bt cotton.

2. To Investigate the relationship of symptoms reported by farmers and Bt cotton.

The study was meant to be a preliminary investigation merely to understand the above and thereby to stimulate more scientific study on this issue. It was also meant to document the cases who had reported allergies as a result of exposure to BT in order to give voice to their concerns and raise public awareness and debate on this issue.

During the survey 5 villages (Khaperkhera (including Bajrikhera), Karmal, Awli, Kothra, Bagud,) in 2 districts (Barwani 3 Nimar Region of M.P. comprises of Barwani, Khargone (both called West Nimar), Khandwa, Burhanpur (both part of East Nimar) and part of Dhar.[9]

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthand Dhar) of Nimad, a prosperous cotton growing area of western M.P. were covered.

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Investigation area


The Performa with respect to survey was finalized after preliminary discussion with people working in the area who had personally observed the types of problems being faced by the people. While designing the questionnaire attempts were made to include questions regarding the direct cause-effect relationship as typically listed in other studies4 like time relationship (does the effect occurs after the exposure), dose response relationship (does the symptoms increase with greater exposure), reversibility of effect after removal of cause etc.

Method remained filling up of questionnaire, recording of typical Case studies, Direct observations of affected persons currently affected, detailed interviews. In each village after a brief discussion with cotton growing farmers and farm labourers, we conducted interview of those persons who were having or had suffered from allergic symptoms after working in field or exposure to cotton.

Categories of Persons Interviewed.

People from the following categories were interviewed.

i) Agriculturists, farmers, farm labourers, ii) Ginning factory labourers and owner.

iii) Doctor practicing in the area.

iv) Agriculture Scientist

4. Limitation of Investigation

4 Guidelines for Causation (used to establish relationship between cigarette smoking and lung cancer in 1965- ref Basic Epidemiology-student’s textbook-WHO,July,1990):1) Temporal Relation- Does the cause precede the effect? (essential); 2) Strength- What is the strength (Relative Risk)of association between cause and effect ; 3) Dose-response relationship-Are varying mounts of exposure to the plausible cause associated with varying amounts of effect? 4) Reversibility - Does removal of possible cause lead to reduction of disease risk? 5) Consistency-Have similar results been shown in other studies? 6) Plausibility- Mechanism of action. 7) Judging the evidence – How many lines of evidence lead to conclusion? 8) Study Design- Is the evidence based on strong study design?[11]

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthSample size was small. The investigation could cover only 5 villages and directly interview only 23 labourers and farmers even though in the objective of the study was to raise a question and stimulate further and bigger study but still this would remain a limitation of this report. The investigation restricted itself to only those persons who had suffered some symptoms thus there was a limitation in the design of the investigation. The investigating team did not bring on record the deposition of persons who were exposed but did not suffer from any symptom or those persons who were not exposed. The study could not do photo documentation of the affected individuals nor could it study many persons currently affected with the disease. The study was not designed to identify the specific allergen or predisposition of the affected individuals. Any future study on this issue can consider the issues not covered in this investigation.

5.Analysis

5.1 Agriculturists, farmers, farm labourers,

We have covered only those persons who had physical illness and there was a definite exposure to Bt. cotton plant or picked cotton (referred to as exposed population). We did not do a comparative study between disease among exposed and non exposed population to determine the incidence rate. The objective of this study is to do preliminary investigation to list out the type of symptoms which are found in population exposed in growing this cotton (could be termed as occupational Disease).

The analysis has been divided into two sections :-

i) The first section from Table 1 to 5 analyses the type and severity of symptoms.ii) The second section from Table 6 to 9 analysis the relationship between exposure and symptoms.

5.2 Type and Severity of the Symptoms The symptoms that were found in persons surveyed were mostly pertaining to skin , eyes and the Upper respiratory tract. Skin :

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Skin was the most common site of allergy. The type of symptoms reported were itching (pruritis), redness of skin (erythema), eruptions on body (papilo-vesicular eruptions) and swelling (oedema). After 4-5 hours of exposure most people complained of itching on face and hand (exposed parts) not relating it to any specific cause (some said they felt it must have been mosquito bite) they continued with their work. Soon the severity of itching increased and by the time they had finished picking at the end of the day they had redness in hands and face and swelling of face. After 1-2 days of continued exposure they had small white eruptions mostly on the face and then after varying periods (4-5 days to upto 5-6 months) the symptoms started subsiding and they had black discolouration of skin. The people affected with these allergies did not have previous history of allergies even though they were involved in cotton picking earlier. Table 3 - Symptoms pertaining to Skin (Multiple Response)

No

Type of Symptoms No of Respondents

%

1 Itching on skin 23 100%2 Redness of skin(mostly face and

forearms/hands)19 82.6

%3 Eruptions on body 20 86.9

%4 Swelling of face 13 56.5

%5 Other symptoms 02 08.6

%Source: Primary Survey, Year: 2005, n = 23All the 23 persons surveyed had itching of varying severity. In some cases the itching was so severe that they were forced to discontinue working in the fields. In other cases because of itching there was fall in their output i.e. they were able to pick less number of bags. The next most common symptom after itching was white papulo-vescicular eruptions1 affecting 20 (on mostly face) and then 19 persons had redness of skin and 13

1Papulo-visicular eruptions : Small lesions raised above the surrounding skin surface and hence palpable, less than 1 cm in diameter. May be solid or fluid filled.[13]

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthsuffered from swelling of face. Other symptoms were serious discharge from the eruptions and nausea.

Sooka Bai, w/o Rupa 50 years, Village Kothra Agricultural labourerShe went to pick cotton on the farm of Shoba Ram Tirkat, Kothra who had sown BT 162 in 6 Bigha land. She said that Kapas season is good because in this season she gets around Rs20-25/Bag and able to pick 5-6 bags daily (average income- Rs 100-150). She said, ” Pahle din lagbhag dopahar ke samay hathon aur chehre par khujli shuru hui par main kaam karti rahi. Shaam tak to itna hua ki khoob munda suj gaya. Khoob jalan hui,munda lal ho gaya,aankhe bhi lal ho gai aur pani ane laga, ankhon main khujli hui aur sujan aa gai. Naak se pani aya aur chikey aai. Chere se safed pani nikla phir kala cahta par gaya. 8-12 din kaa nahin kiya phir jana para kyon ki gharan baithe to kawan kya. Pachis rupaye ki tube laga kar thik hua apne gaon ke Dr Vinod se ilaj liya, Pantis sal se bin rahe hoon kabhi nahin hua pehli bar hooaa. Meri gaon ki Anu Bai Manglia aur Kali Bai Manohar ko bhi aisa hua.

Table 4- Parts of Skin Affected (Multiple Response)

No

Parts of Skin Affected No of Respondents

%

1 Face 17 73.9%

2 Hands 15 65.2%

3 Feet 11 47.8%

4 Back 07 30.4%

5 Neck 06 26.1%

6 Abdomen 04 17.4%

Source: Primary Survey, Year: 2005, n = 23

The parts mostly affected were exposed parts mainly face, hands and feet. In some persons where the symptoms were more severe the back abdomen neck (covered portions) were affected. Most persons had multiple areas of their bodies affected.

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Sakri w/o Tantiya r/o village Bajrikhera Tehsil Kukshi Dist. DharSakri said she had gone to the field of Thakur Motaji to pick cotton and within one hour she had itching on the face, followed by burning sensation as if someone had rubbed chilli powder, redness and white eruptions. The burning was so much that she could not even wash her face. Then for 5-6 months there was serous discharge from the face,( “chere se pani jaisa ras nikalne laga”). The skin became dark almost black in colour. Symptoms lasted for 6 months.Satish Thakurji (refered as Thakur Motaji) told us that sakri had worked in his field in2004 and he had planted BT.-162 on his entire 6 acre land.

5.3 Eyes and Respiratory Tract:Those who had more severe symptoms of the skin had associated allergies of eyes and respiratory tract.

Table 5- Symptoms pertaining to EyesNo

Types of Symptoms No of Responde

nts

%

1 Itching in eyes 02 8.6%2 Redness of Eyes 01 4.3%3 Swelling of Eyelids 02 8.6%4 Watering of Eyes 01 4.3%5 All above 05 21.7

%Total with symptoms 11 47.8

%6 No symptoms relating to eyes 12 52.2

%Total 23 100%


Out of 23 persons 11 had eye symptoms of varying severity. 2 persons had itching in eyes, 2 had swelling of eyelids, 1 had redness of eyes and 1 had watering of eyes. And 5 of the respondents had all the above symptoms.

Table 6- Symptoms pertaining to Upper Respiratory System (URS)

No

Types of Symptoms No of Respondents

%

1 Watering from nose 1 4.3%2 Excessive sneezing 2 8.6%3 Both 6 26.1

%[15]

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthTotal with symptoms 9 39.1

%4 No URS symptoms 14 60.8

%Total 23 100%


Out of 23 persons 9 had allergic symptoms relating to upper respiratory tract which were excessive sneezing (2 persons) and watering from nose (1 person). 6 persons had both these symptoms.

Table 7- Severity of illness

No

Severity of illness No of Respondents

%

1 Mild 03 13%2 Moderate 10 43.5

%3 Severe 10 43.5

%Total 23 100%


Out of 23 persons 20 persons were having severe to moderate degree of symptoms. One women from Khaparkhera narrated that she had to be removed from the fields and taken to Barwani District Hospital where she was admitted for 9 days.

Devkar Bai, 35 years, Khaparkhera, Kukshi Tehsil, Dist Dhar

“ This happened in Sept 04, I went to the field of Sh Govind to pick cotton as daily wager in the morning. On the very first day of work at around 4-5 PM I had itching all over my body followed by swelling. It was more so in face and hands but not much in covered portions. My eyelids became swollen and felt moderate itching inside my eyes. I continued picking cotton for 3 days and on the 4th day I could not work further because the symptoms had become very bad. At first I showed to Dr Solanki’s at Barwani who advised me admission at the district Hospital where I remained admitted for 9 days and I was given blood, injections and saline bottles. I had massive swelling specially of face and fever.”

Shri Govind stated that he had planted Bt. cotton last year (2004) and also this year in his fields.

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Discussion: Tables 1-5 describe in detail the spectrum of symptoms which have been occurring to people exposed to an allergen during the cotton harvesting season. Tables 1 & 2 describe the symptoms in the skin while Tables 3 & 4 describe symptoms in eyes and Upper Respiratory Tract. The depositions of the agri-workers and farmers also describe in detail the start, progress and regression of symptoms. If we try to form an overall picture then we see that the allergic reaction typically presents with mild to severe itching of face, neck, hand and feet along with redness and swelling mostly of face, followed by papilo-vesicular eruptions, in severe cases the eyes also become red, swollen (swelling of eyelids) and there is excessive lacrimation (tear formation), there is excessive watering from nose and sneezing. The symptoms mostly occur in exposed parts but in few cases depending on the predisposition of the individual and exposure to allergen the covered portions like back, abdomen, legs are affected. The symptoms get aggravated on continued exposure and resolve in leaving black discolouration of skin. 5.4 The relationship between exposure and symptoms

i) The second section from Table 6 to 9 analyse the relationship between exposure and symptoms.There was a direct relation of exposure with the

symptoms. But in addition the affected parts, place of exposure, agricultural operations being done before symptoms occurred and state of crop all showed a relationship between exposure and symptoms.

Relationship of Exposure and Symptoms

Table 8- Effect on exposed or covered parts

No Parts Affected

No of Respondents %

1 Exposed parts 14 60.9%

2 Covered parts 01 4.3%3 Both 08 34.8

%Total 23 100%

Source: Primary Survey, Year: 2005, n = 23[17]


Out of 23 persons 14 had allergic symptoms on exposed parts of body (face, hand and feet,face,neck, eyes and respiratory tract), 8 persons had effect on both covered and exposed parts and only one had on covered portion alone. Table 9- Place of exposure

No Place of exposure No of Respondents

%

1 Cotton Field 18 78.3%2 Home 04 17.4%3 Both 01 4.3%

Total 23 100%Source: Primary Survey, Year: 2005, n = 23

Out of 23 persons who experiences symptoms 18 had exposure from the field while 4 had exposure because of storage of cotton at home and only one person had been exposed both at home and at the fields.

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Narendera s/o Poonam chand pawar r/o Khaparkhera

“ lagbhag pichle saal octomber main apne sasur ke ghar dholsar gaya tha wahan rui kamre main rakhi thi (20 qtl BT. rui) uspar plastic bichi thi aur main vahan pe tek laga kar sarhana lekar baidh gaya.Pandra minate bad mujhe khujli hone lagi to maine sandu se pooch ke dekh meri peeth par kaya hua. Usne dekh ke kaha kapas ke karan khujli hui hai. Main test karne ke liye dawara leta to bahut jayada khujli ho gaye aur main khaparkhera vapas aa gaya aur doctor se ilaj karayaMere khud ke khet mein maine bt 162,184 aur rassi lagaya aur 10-12 majdooron ko hui bimari unke chehre sooj gaye,khujli hui aur lal pad gaye”2.

Dooda Lal s/o Sita Ram Jat, Bagud 37 MIn our home cotton stored had to be transported to Mandi for sale for which six labourers were employed to tie the cotton into bundles and load on tractor. All the workers suffered from itching on hands and feet. The skin became red and there were rashes and there was lot of itching. It did not effect the face. We gave them Tab Avil the symptoms were relieved. After three days we had to take a bag of cotton to Barwani Mandi but we did not take it on the motocycle because of fear of allergy but in the busbecause of contact. We had grown bollgard 184. I am looking after the farms independently since 1990 and always grown Shankar-8, JK H-1, H-4, and in 70-75 we used to grow Maljhiri Kapas when we did not get water from Narmadaji. The water first came in 1984 and we shifted to Shankar-8 etc. But we never faced itching in any of these varieties.

Kali Bai r/o 40 yrs, Kothra,the.Manawar, Dist. Dhar “Ami 20 sal se kapas laga rahe hain pahle nahin hua”

Table 10- Agricultural Operation leading to the symptoms2 “In October last year I had gone to my father-in-law’s house in Dhulsar and there in one room where cotton was stored (20Qtls of BT cotton) covered with plastic sheet and I sat resting my back against it. In 15 minute time I felt itching on my back and I asked my friend Sandhu to examine my back and tell what is causing the itching. He said this is itching because of cotton fibre. For verifying his statement I again sat against the cotton and I had very sever itching once again. I returned to my village Khaparkhera and went to a local doctor for treatment. ”[19]

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthNo Agricultural Operation No.

Respondents%

1 Cotton Picking 17 73.9%

2 Carrying out other operations inside cotton fields

02 8.6%

3 Storing inside house 02 8.6%4 Multiple Operations

(spraying, picking and weighing)

02 8.6%

Total 23 100%Source: Primary Survey, Year: 2005, n = 2317 affected persons were directly involved in operation of picking cotton. 2 persons had symptoms while doing other work inside cotton field(one cutting grass for cattle below the cotton plant other while plucking vegetables inside the cotton field. 2 persons got the symptoms while the cotton was stored inside their house while sleeping on the cotton heap or resting his back on the heap. Two persons had symptoms after involved in multiple agricultural operation. As has been mentioned in earlier section the cotton is picked manually by means of both the hand and put into a bag slung across the shoulder. The labourer has to move inside the fields picking from each plant then the other. This operation is mostly carried out by women and involves intimate contact with the cotton plant on all parts of body especially the exposed parts.

Bacchi Bai, 50 years,,Kotra, Tehsil Manawar, Dist-Dhar,M.P.Bacchi bai, 50 years old women from Kotra village who earns Rs 25/ a day and works around 12 hours a day. In her family out of 10 members 5 members were working as a agriculture labour. In the month of Sep 2004 she and her daughter suffered had gone to pick cotton in the farm of Shobharam where they suffered from severe skin problem and according to her there was swelling in her face. “moonh me charki, miri(chilly) lagi, munda (face)se roti ne bhaiyo kaise khawan roti, thuli(daliya) par rahi khana nahin khai” (I felt burning sensation on my face as if chillies have been rubbed on my face, I could not eat roti, how could I eat roti, I survived on daliya and did not food.) and she spend Rs 80/ in her treatment and not able to work for a week. An illiterate women having experience of around 20-25

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years in this type of work also try to find out the cause and told that –“ kisan ka kai dosh nahi che ye to kampani ka fault hai” The farmer who employed Bacchi Bai separately told us that he had 4 acres of land and has grown Bt.162 in his farm.

PAHLE AISA NAHIN HUA Shobha Ram Verma, Age 50, Kothra, cotton farmer.Shobha Ram Verma cotton farmer had sown BT. 162 on his land ,” Kapas chunne ke liye gaye 9 majdoor ke moonh sooj gaye .Lal ho gaye,,loch(itching) aati thi 20 roj raha. Doctor se elaj liya. Uske bad apne yahan kam karne nahin aye. 30 saal se kapas ka kaam kar rahe hoon pahle aisa kabhi nahin hooaa”

Table 11- Stage of the cropNo State of the crop No of

Respondents

%

1 Before the flowering stage 0 0%

2 Flowering stage 0 0%

3 Before eruption (Pods) 0 0%

4 Eruption of cotton 18 78.3%

5 After plucking of cotton 05 21.7%

Total 23 100%Source: Primary Survey, Year: 2005, n = 23

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Deepak s/o Shobha Ram r/o Kothra Teh. Manawar, Dist Dhar cotton farmer owns 4 acres of land and in 2004 planted BT 162 in his land.“ Main kam se kam 7 saal se yeh kaam kar raha hoon par pehle kabhi nahin hua. Dahshat ka mohol tha. Hamara vyavahar accha hai nahin to compensation ke liye mang nahin ki en logon ne. eak eak ka 400-500 rupaye ka kharcha hooa hoga. Bina ilaj ke theek nahin hua. Ek gori bai thi to uske to chatte par gaye the jaise chechak ke daag hoon. 15-20 din voh sharm ke mare ghar se bhar nahin nikli aur jab nikli to moonh dhak ke nikli. Mazdoor main dashat phail gayi aur unhone kaha ke 62 number kapas ko ham nahin binege”

Discussion – Tables 6 to 9 are indicative of an association of the symptoms with exposure to BT plant. Table 6 indicates that 60.9 % of the respondents are having symptoms only on the exposed parts and only 4.3% had on unexposed part, indicates that physical contact with an allergen is responsible for the allergy. Subsequent questions indicated in tables 7-9 have been asked to identify the allergen and its association with symptoms. Results of Table 7 show that 78% of the people were exposed to the allergen in the field during the cotton season. The others also had a definite exposure to cotton (in stored form inside the houses) even if their symptoms appeared at home. Table 8 indicates that for 73.8% of people the immediate event that preceded their symptom was the cotton picking operation. This is a very important link which is strongly indicative of an association of symptoms and cotton picking operation. Even for the others they were handling cotton fibre or in direct contact with cotton immediately prior their symptoms. All the Data collected is not summarized in the Tables but there are certain conclusions which can also be drawn from case histories. People have reported that when they continued to work in the field the severity of symptoms have increased and they got relief after they stopped work i.e. they no longer remained exposed. This indicates a dose response relationship and symptoms did not get worsened after the exposure was removed (reversibility of symptoms). The agri-worers and farmers have stated that they have been involved in cotton related operations for many years but it was only from the last 2 years when Bt cotton was introduced 2 years ago that they started have alleries. This is a very important statement which indicates a strong relation between the symptoms and its causative factor. Table 9 indicates a set of questions which were included in the questionnaire to determine the stage of the cotton plant which is causing allergy. To some extent it also

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indicates the part of plant which is having the allergen. From the negative responses of this table we can have an idea that neither the leaves, stem, flower or pod of Bt. Plant causes allergy but the cotton fibre is causing the allergy. More of this is discussed in section of Agri Sceintist and plausibility.

5.5 Ginning factory labourers and owner.

The Investigation team also visited the ginning factory and collect information from the owner of the factory. According to them last year there were several complaints of allergy among the labourers. The owner of M/s. Vishal Udyog, Anjad (Barwani) told that most of the farmers and labourers were having skin related problem due to Bt. cotton and that’s why labourers were not ready to unload the cotton-loaded truck from Maharastra.

According to Mr. Sunil Patidar, owner of ginning factory symptoms like itching, redness of eyes, watering of eyes and cough were found in labourers who work in his factory, most of the labourers were having this problem last year it was more, this year also cases were found. Most of the labourers were complaining him about this health related problem.

“ Pichele saal to khujli ki itni taklif thi ki hum yaha office mein avil ki goliya rakhni parthi thi, mazdoor taklif hone par goli khakar kam par lag jate thhe’’, according to Sh Babulal Vyas of M/s. Rajesh Ginning Factory, Anjad (Barwani).

Discussion with labourers :- The team has done a detailed discussion with the labourers working in different ginning factory. It came out from the discussion that itching in whole body was very common among labourers who carry Bt cotton. They told that they take Tab. Avil every day and then only they were able to work. It came to the notice that the problem increase in hotter days. We met 2 women labour (one works in ginning factory and other pluck cotton from the field) both had same type of problem. They told that itching start from exposed part of body-hand and leg and then spread over to face.

Sukhi bai Amar singh, 35 year old women from Pichori village of barwani district.

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Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthSukhi bai is involved in agriculture related works from last several years, first time she suffered from skin related problem last year. She told that when she was plucking cotton (Bt-184) from the field, she was having itching problem and red spot came out in the whole body. She was admitted in Barwani district hospital and treatment continues around 15 days. She was advised ointment and Avil tablet twice a day. Now she usually takes Avil tablet during agricultural season.

Laxmi bai , who works as a labour in Rajesh ginning factory told that due to itching in whole body most of the women were feeling shy and not able to explain their problem to factory owners and family members too.

We had done detailed interview with 6 labourer from different ginning factory and found that all were having itching problem and 2 of them were having eruptions on body. Skin problem were found in exposed part of the body. The affected parts in body were hands, legs and face. They were working as labourer in the factory from 2-7 years, but they suffered first time with this type of health related problem due to this cotton.

It is quite clear that not only farmers but also the labourers who were engage in transportation of cotton had health related problems.

5.6 Doctor practicing in the area.

Dr Ramesh Jar of Saigaon, Ayurvedic Doctor, has been doing practice in Aawli, Tal Thikri, Dist Barwani. He sits from 6-7 PM. He said this year i.e. in 2005 he has already received around 150 cases allergy from two villages of Aawli and saigaon. In 2004 he had got around 100 cases of allergy. The symptoms begin with itching in all parts of body, followed by red patches (Dadre), redness of eyes, swelling of face and hands. It happens mostly while picking Kapas. Also some people who load and tractor with rui were getting these symptoms.

He is giving Dexona injection and Levocetrigen for skin and anti allergic drops for eyes.

Case Study-

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Chanda Bai a women from Aawli, cotton is the main earning source in her family and out of 7 members in her family 2 go for agriculture related works. She earns Rs 50-60/ daily and work around 10-12 hour per day for 2 months and for the rest of the year depending upon the work she earn around Rs 25/ per day. Her husband is alcholic. She had suffered from health Problem due to Bt cotton in 2004 and 2005.She remembered that when first time she went to Dr Babu, Anjad he told that -" Bolgard kapas action kar gaya ". Matha Aakh Sab Sujan ho gaya, dadore ho gaye lal rang ke.Kapas hum to kapra bandh kar binte hai, par sir par bhi ho jata hai,haath pair par ho jata hai, abhi bhi hota hai. Chunte hai to pata lagta hai- rui se nahi to pata se ho jata hai. jaha bhi lagta hai wahi par ho jata hai.First symtom- Sep 2004.

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Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthDetails of treatment

Sr no

Where No of Days

Expense

1. Dr Babu, Anjad, Pvt 3-4 600 -700/2. Dr Santosh, 2-3 300/3. Dr S.K. Bawniya,Anjad 2-3 250/4. Dr Modi, Dist hospital, Barwani 8 90/ for a day.5. Dr Ramesh, Pvt, Segaon 2 200/6. Dr S.K. Bawniya, Anjad( Second

time)3 300/

Dr S.K.Bawniya had given Gin soma ( Vitamin%& minerals for Strength),Tab Nimuslide& paracetamol(Nimuwin plus), Meriprat Plus(Protien- Vitamin& Minerals)This also shows that how due to the impact of Bt cotton on Peoples health and health expenditure of the family increases..Pl also refer Annexure 1.

5.7 Some unanswered Questions If Bt cotton fibers are causing allergy than we need to find answers to certain questions i.e. What is it in the plant which causes allergy?, why in some people allergy is more and in others no allergy has occurred? Why in some cotton season the more allergy has occurred and in others less allergy has occurred? Why no such reports have come from other parts of the country? We have tried to answer some of these questions.

5.8 What is Allergy in Medical Practice and what is Contact Dermatitis?

”Allergy is altered state of reactivity to an antigen. For inducing allergic reaction the host should have contact with allergen. Exposure to allergen causes sensitization of body immune system by absorption by the skin. Cells of skin capture allergen which migrate to the draining lymph nodes where they present it to t-cells. The sensitized T-cell travel to skin site where on contacting the allergen they release lymphokines which activate cells known as macrophages and increase influx of other types of cells called eosinophils. Repeat contact of allergen with sensitized individual causes contact dermatitis lesion which varies from macules,papules to

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vesicles that breakdown leaving behind raw weeping areas typical of acute eczematous dermatitis.”3

An agent may act as an allergen or an irritant and cause lesions on the skin and the mechanism of action for both is different.

“Irritant reaction in contrast to allergic reaction can occur upon first exposure to an agent, are typically dose related, can be induced in almost everybody with sufficient exposure are more likely to respond to use of protective barrier cream. A single agent can be both irritant and allergenic, depending on patient and on the conditions of exposure.” The reaction may vary in severity depending on the strength of irritant, on local skin factors like degree of skin hydration, thickness etc and allergen characteristics like chemical structure, dose and route of presentation of antigen.

This to some extent explains the reason for different reactions of a person to any allergen or irritant and while on one hand a person may have severe allergy on the other hand certain people would have no effect of an allergen or irritant.

3 Textbook of Microbiology, R.Ananthnarayan & CKJ Paniker,6th edition,pg156, Oriental Longman.[27]


Contact DermatitisWhen dermatitis is induced by contact with external agent ,it is called contact dermatitis. When an external agent directly damages the skin ,the ensuing eruption is referred to as an irritant contact dermatitis(ICD).That is different from allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), which is caused by an immunological reaction to an allergen which comes in contact with skin. Contact dermatitis is occupational related disease and represents a significant economic loss. The most common recognized form of ACD is Phytodermatitis or plant dermatitis. Plants like poison ivy,oak and sumac cause an allergic reaction marked by erythema (redness of skin), vesiculation, and severe pruritis (itching).4

5.9 Plausibility (or mechanism of action)

Dr Debashish Banerji5, agricultural bio-scientist, has opined that in Bt Cotton the Bt toxin is produced in all tissues- root, stem, leaves, bolls and even the cotton fibres. The plant is like a leaking barrel of a pesticide in this case the Bt toxin protein. In India, unlike America or other developed countries, the agriculture labour does not have access to protective overalls, gloves, masks etc. obviously the direct contact with the plant may induce allergies. The most unfortunate scenario is that even the farmers are not given any information about this obvious apparent danger. He further explained that the leaves, stem, roots have a skin similar to human skin and it is possible that direct contact with these parts may cause less or no allergy, however, the cotton fibre as such is without any such protective coating therefore direct contact can cause allergy.

4 Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine,Vol-1,13th International edition,Page 275.5 Dr.Debashis Banerji worked earlier in Botany Department of Allahabad University, Roswell Park Memorial Cancer Research Institute, Buffalo and Trocaire Campus, SUNY, Buffalo NY, USA. On return from US, he joined the Botany Department of Meerut University and in 1993 he joined Samaj Pragati Sahayog, Bagli, Distt Dewas, MP, presently is working as Director of the society’s Baba Amte Centre for People’s Empowerment. Since 1993 he is engaged in the development of sustainable models of Dryland Agriculture and optimization of Farmland Use.

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According to him this is the most plausible explanation of allergic reactions reported by researchers.

In a Public Interest Litigation on Biosafety of Genetically Modified (GMOs) in 20056 reports of Independent Science Panel (ISP) an independent expert panel of scientist from 11 countries to review the hazards and problems of GM crops and one of the findings of this panel quoted in the PIL was that," ... Bt protien that kills insect pests include potent immunogens and allergens ..." The PIL further goes on, "... several Cry protein in Bt products could be a source of allergens and antibodies".

The labourers working in the Ginning Factories also try to identify the cause of this problem and explain to the investigation team that – “Jab kapas ka beej such jata hai to uske barik barik kan sarir pe pasine ke karan chipakte hai aur dhoop badhne par khujli suru ho jati hai.Is tarah ki taklif do saal se B.T kapas aane se suru hui hai aur kapas ke beej sukhne par khujli suru ho jati hai.”

We asked Satish Goswame a cotton growing farmer of Bajrikhera about the possible cause of the symptoms and whether pesticide could be a cause. He said “Dawai (pesticide) se nahin hai, ham to 15-20 sal se kheti kar rahe hain or kabhi aisa nahin hua. Dawai jab chamri par girti hai to sabun se saaf karte hai ek din main dheek ho jata hai.hota to Bt. sai he hai. Mere khayal se Bt. ki gili rooi jab taji taji nikalti hai us se hota hai.”

Some of the possible explanations to the question that what is it in the plant which causes allergy?

8. To Summarize

6 Filed in the Supreme Court of India in 2005, by four petitioners viz Aruna Rodrigues, Economist, Davinder Sharma, agricultural scientist and in forum for biotech. And food Security, PV Satheesh, Deccan Development Society, and Rajiv Barua, MD of Maikaal bio.Re.[29]

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthAll the evidence gathered during the investigation shows that Bt. has been causing skin, Upper respiratory tract and eye allergy among persons exposed to cotton. The symptoms vary from mild, moderate to very severe to the extent that one women had to be admitted for 9 days as a result of allergy. The allergy is not restricted to farm labourers involved in picking cotton but has affected labour involved in loading and unloading Bt from villages to market, those involved in its weighment, labourers working in ginning factories, people who carried out other operations in the field of BT cotton, or farmers who stored cotton in their homes etc. Thus the symptom is affecting people widely exposed at different places. The symptoms were not restricted to one particular farm but several farms in 6 villages spread around 4 tehsils of 2 districts. The doctor of this area also has reported a spurt of allergic cases in the last 2 seasons in the cotton season. The agro scientist and some farmers and labourers have also pointed a finger on the Bt cotton and given explanations for this type of allergies. After considering all evidences, statement and openinons we an say that BT cotton is causing allergy to people.

The authorities concerned with approving, promoting and monitoring the Bt cotton need to conduct a detailed investigation on this aspect and appropriate corrective measures are needed. There is a need to spread awareness in cotton growing regions abot the allergic characteristic of the plant so that people can identify the cause and take preventive measures.

Annexure-1 Details of Persons got treatment.

Sr.

Name of the person got treatment

Age

village Symtoms Where Expense

1. Devkar bai 35F Khaparkheda

Itching Pvt Clinic Rs 420/

2. Devram bhai

45M

Khaperkheda

Itching, redness in body

Pvt doctor

Rs 3300/

3. Babita Mukesh

20F kotra Black spot in Skin,Itching and redness in eyes

Pvt Doctor

Not able to remember

4. Bacchi Bai and her daughter

50F Kotra Swelling, spots and itching

Pvt doctor

Rs 80/Rs 130/- on her

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Sr.


Age


Kali daughter5. Kali bai 40F Vill.Kothra,

Teh.Manawar, Dist. Dhar

Infection in eyes, Jalan hona

Pvt doctor

Rs 182/

6. Jyoti KhemendraCase history

24F Bajrikhera Skin disease,Red spots, Itching

Pvt Doctor

1200/Treatment taken for 3 months

7. Sakri Tantia,

50F Bajri Kheda, Black spots,Jalan hona,Swelling

Pvt doctor

Rs 40/

8. Narendra Poonamchand

35M

Khaparkheda

Itching Pvt doctor

Rs 100/

9. Madhubala Mansaram

25F kotda Itching,Black spots,Red Skin

Pvt Doctor

Rs 300/

10.

Aanu Bhagatiya

45F Kotda Black, white spots,Swelling,

Pvt 1000/

11.

Deepak Shobharam

26M

Kotda Swelling, skin disesase

Pvt 500/

12.

Suka bai 50F Kotda Jalan Hua, Swelling

Pvt 25/ and

13.

Kishore 45M

Karmal Itching,Swelling, Red spot

Pvt, Nisarpur

450/

14.

Bhura Bai 35F Khaperkheda

Itching,Black Spots,Swelling

Pvt Nisarpur

400/

15.

Purva Bai 36F Khaperkheda

Itching, Rash, irritation in eyes

No treatment

16.

Yashoda Bat

F Awli Itching, Rash. No Treatment

17.

Dooda Lal M Bagud Itching, redness of skin, Rash.

No Treatment

18.

Durga Lal M Bagud Itching. No Treatment

19.

Kamal 30M

Karmal Itching, redness of skin, Swelling.

No Tratment

20.

Babu Bhallu

M Bagud Itching, redness of skin, Rash.

Took Treatment from Barwani

Not available

21 Mangilal M Awli Itching, No

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Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthSr.


Age


. Ramesh redness of skin, Rash.

Treatment

22.

Chandra Bai

F Awli Itching, redness of skin, swelling, Rash.

No Treatment

-

23.

Rekha Keshore

F Awli Itching, swelling, Rash.

No Treatment

-

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Annexure-2: Questionnaire

ekuo LokLF; ij thu ifjofrZr dikl ¼ch-Vh-½ dh Qly ls iM+us okys izHkko dk v/;;u izi=

1- O;fDr dk uke -------------------------------------------------------------------- mez --------------------xkao ----------------------------------------- rglhy ---------------------------ftyk ----------------------

2- Js.kh --------------------- fdlku@d`f"k etnwj@vU; 3- ifjokj ds lnL;ksa dh la[;k----------------------------------4- [ksrh dk;ksZ esa tqM+s lnL;ksa dh la[;k--------------------------------5- fdlku gks rks tkudkjh HkjsaA dqy

[ksrh------------- flafpr@vflafpr-------6- ch-Vh- dikl dh [ksrh dc ls dj jgs gSa&o"kZ

ch-Vh- dk

jdck

iztkfr dk uke

cqvkbZ dk

eghuk

Qly fudkyu

s dk eghuk

Qly dh dqy vof/k

20022003[33]

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's health20042005

7- etnwj gSa rks ftlds [ksr esa etnwjh dk dk;Z fd;k x;k mldh tkudkjh nsosa &

fdlku dk uke ch-Vh- dk jdck

iztkfr dk uke

8- O;fDr }kjk [ksrh esa laikfnr fd;k tkus okyk dk;Z %&[ ] Qly dh flapkbZ dk dk;Z [ ] funkbZ xqMkbZ dk;Z [ ] nokbZ fNVdus dk dk;Z [ ] dikl dh pqukbZ [ ] [kkn nsus dk dk;Z [ ] ifjogu[ ] dsoy [ksr dk fujh{k.k [ ]

9- O;fDr }kjk [ksrh esa dk;Z djus dh vof/k &¼v½ izfrfnu dqy ?kaVs ---------- ¼c½ izfr

lIrkg dqy fnu ------------------10- jksx ds y{k.k ¼dsoy lgh dk fu'kku yxkosa½

v [kqtyh [ ] Ropk dk yky gksuk [ ] nnksM+s [ ] lqtu [ ]

c vk¡[ks yky gksuk [ ] vk[kks ls ikuh fudyuk [ ]

[34]


vk[k esa [kqtyh gksuk [ ] vk[kks dh iyd esa lwtu [ ]

l ukd ls ikuh cguk [ ] fNds vkuk [ ]n [kkWlh gksuk [ ] “Wokl pyuk [ ] Nkrh

lk&lk djuk [ ]11- vU; y{k.k gks rks mldk foLr`r fooj.k nsosa &

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12- 'kjhj ds izHkkfor vax &

gkFk [ ] iSj [ ] psgjk [ ] xnZu [ ] ihB [ ]13- jksx dk izHkko %&

¼v½ 'kjhj ds [kqys Hkkx ij [ ] ¼c½ diM+s ls <ds Hkkx ij [ ]

14- jksx ds y{k.k dk fooj.k -------------------------------- ftldh rhozrk jgh%

lkekU; [ ] rst [ ] vR;f/kd rst [ ]15- LFky dk fooj.k tgka jksx ds y{k.k fn[kkbZ fn;s&

[ksr [ ] ?kj [ ]

[35]

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's health16- vxj ch-Vh- dikl dh Qly esa dk;Z djus ds

nkSjku jksx ds y{k.k mRiUu gq, gks rc mlds }kjk laikfnr fd;k tkus okyk dk;Z &

Qly esa flapkbZ [ ] funkbZ xqMkbZ [ ] [kkn Mkyuk [ ]

nokbZ fNM+dko [ ] dikl pqukbZ [ ] dikl ifjogu [ ]

dikl rksyuk [ ] dikl dh Qly esa Hkze.k [ ]

17- vxj ch-Vh- dikl dh Qly esa dk;Z djus ds nkSjku jksx ds y{k.k mRiUu gq, gks rc Qly dh vkoLFkk &

Qqy ds igys okyh voLFkk [ ] Qqyokyh voLFkk [ ]

gjs [ ] MsMw ¼>sMk½ okyh voLFkk [ ] :bZ fudyus okyh voLFkk [ ]

18- D;k ?kj esa jgus ds nkSjku jksx ds y{k.k mRiUu gq;s\ gk¡ ;k uk

19- jksx ds y{k.k fn[kkbZ fn;s Alqcg [ ] nksigj [ ] jk=h [ ]

20- D;k ?kj esa ch-Vh- :bZ dk laxzg fd;k x;k Fkk\ gk¡ rks tkudkjh nsosaA

ek=k fDoVy esa fdrus le; ls laxzfgr FkkAfdrus le; i'pkr~ cspk A

[36]


21- ?kj esa ch-Vh- dikl dh :bZ vFkok vU; fdlh oLrq ds ek/;e ls lEidZ gksrk Fkk \ rks dSls mldk fooj.k fy[ks ------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

22- ifjokj ds vU; lnL; ftu ij jksx dk izHkko iM+k \ tkudkjh nsa&

uke mez

laca/k ¼ekrk@firk @iq=@iq=h@vU;½

23- ifjokj ds lnL;ksa ds vfrfjDr vU; ftudk lEidZ

?kj eas j[ks ch-Vh- dikl dh :bZ ls gqvk vkSj mu ij Hkh jksx ds y{k.k fn[kkbZ iM+s vFkok jksx dk izHkko gqvkA fooj.k nsa &

og O;fDr dkSu Fkk

ch-Vh- dikl dh :bZ ls

jksx ds y{k.k

[37]

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthlEidZ dk dkj.k

24- jksx dk izHkko fdrus le; rd jgk ------------------------------------------------A

25- jksx dSls Bhd gqvk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A

26- D;k bl chp bZykt djok;k]gkW@ugha ---------------------

dgkW ------------------------------------------ MkW- dh iphZ gS D;k ---------------------------

iphZ essa D;k fy[kk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A 27- fiNys fdrus fnuks @ekg ls jksx ds y{k.k ;k izHkko ugh gqvk gSa----28- D;k blls igys dHkh bl izdkj jksx ds y{k.k gq;s FksA vxj gk¡ rks

[38]


fooj.k nsa --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29- vU; vuqHko tks ch-Vh- dikl ls tqM+s gksa &

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[39]

Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmer's healthImportant Notes

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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BT COTTON · Web viewAshish Mandloi, Narmada Bacaho Andolan, 62, Mahatama Gandhi Road,...

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