National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to Centre and Maharashtra government over reported deaths of farmers due to infection caused by spraying of a pesticide on cotton crops.
Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports, the Commission sought detailed reports from state Chief Secretary and Union Agriculture Secretary within four weeks.
The reports say that in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra several farmers had to be hospitalized, during the last three months, due to an infection, caused by spraying of a pesticide on the cotton crops.
NHRC said, the state government is reported to have announced an inquiry into the deaths of 18 farmers and farm labourers.
The NHRC also directed the state Chief Secretary to ensure that the best treatment is provided free of cost to the farmers, who are either admitted to the hospitals or taking treatment as an out-patient.
The Chief Secretary has been asked to inform about the steps taken to stop recurrence of such incidents.
