Use of unauthorized and highly hazardous pesticides is rampant across the State and the government’s criminal negligence towards this is what led to the death of two farm workers in the Upper Kuttanad village of Vengal the other day, Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala has alleged.
Talking to reporters in Thiruvalla, Mr. Chennithala alleged that the government has taken no step to check the use of unauthorized pesticides and fertilizers in the State.
The Leader of the Opposition said the government should take necessary steps to provide training to farm workers in handling pesticides and fertilizers.
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Two farm workers, Mathai Easo (68) and Sanalkumar (44) of the Kazhuppil colony at Vengal, were killed due to excessive exposure to a highly harzardous pesticide mixture a few days ago.
Mr. Chennithala said financial assistance worth ₹4 lakh would be provided to the bereaved family of Mr. Sanalkumar for constructing a house for them in the Kazhuppil colony under the Gandhi Gramam housing project soon.
The Leader of Opposition, accompanied by Anto Antony, MP; Babu George, District Congress Committee president, and Joseph M.Puthurserry, former MLA, also visited the bereaved families of the deceased farm workers.
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He said the government should give adequate compensation to the bereaved families.