Kisan Kavach: India’s First Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit, New Step in Agricultural Safety

Preetam Singh, a farmer from Panipat, Haryana, expressed concerns about the dangerous effects of pesticides. While pesticides are essential for protecting crops from pests and diseases, exposure to them poses serious health risks to farmers. In response to these concerns, the "Kisan Kavach" protective bodysuit was introduced, designed to shield farmers from the harmful effects of pesticides.

Launch of Kisan Kavach:

On December 17, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled "Kisan Kavach," India’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit. Developed by BRIC-inStem in Bengaluru, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., this innovative protective suit is designed to safeguard farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure. The event also included the distribution of the first batch of Kisan Kavach suits to farmers.

A Bodysuit Equipped with Advanced Technology for Pesticide Protection:

The Kisan Kavach bodysuit uses advanced fabric technology that deactivates pesticides upon contact. The suit is fully washable, reusable, and can be used for up to two years, with a lifespan of up to 150 washes. Priced at ₹4,000, the government is working to make it more affordable. The suit's design incorporates a nucleophile bonded to cotton fibers, which neutralizes pesticides through nucleophilic-hydrolysis, a technology published in the journal Nature Communications.

Key to Crop Protection and Health Preservation:

The use of pesticides becomes essential to prevent 15-25% yield loss caused by pests and diseases. However, when misused, pesticides can have severe environmental and health impacts. Between 2015 and 2018, misuse and over-application of pesticides led to 442 fatalities.

Steps towards Organic and Sustainable Farming:

The government is continuously working to reduce pesticide use and promote organic farming.

• The Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee have simplified the process for registering biopesticides.
• Temporary registration has been introduced for biopesticides.
• The use of biopesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis, Trichoderma, and neem is being promoted.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which uses biological and mechanical methods to reduce pesticide use, is being encouraged as a key approach for sustainable farming.

Conclusion: "Kisan Kavach" marks a new beginning in Indian agriculture. This initiative ensures the safety of farmers while advancing towards sustainable farming practices. Not only will it protect farmers' health, but it will also reduce farming costs, paving the way for a new chapter in Indian agriculture.