The Maharashtra government on Thursday urged the Centre to initiate a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-led probe into incident of farmer deaths caused due to pesticide poisoning in Yavatmal district.
After the tragic incident of pesticide poisoning in Yavatmal district, a detailed study was done by Central Institute of Cotton Research (CISR) and the report has been submitted to the state government.
As mentioned in the report, herbicide tolerant genes are found in the BT Cotton seeds of five branded companies and it is not permissible under the provisions of Environment Protection Act 1986.
An FIR has been registered against those five companies.
But it is also found that such type of seeds are being produced in many other states too and due to such seriousness, Government of Maharashtra has sent a request to Government of India for a detailed CBI inquiry into this.
At least 18 farmers have died over the past three months in Yavatmal district owing to an alleged exposure to a toxic pesticide. Several others have been admitted to hospital in critical condition.
However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on October 22 visited the victims of pesticide poisoning at Yavatmal civil hospital and assured the strictest action against those responsible for the tragedy.
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