Farmer Refuses to Wash Hands After Spraying Pesticides, Dies After Eating Dinner in UP

A man from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, tragically passed away after neglecting to wash his hands following the application of pesticides on his farm. The incident occurred late on a Saturday evening when 27-year-old Kanhaiya returned home after spraying pesticides in his fields. Despite his wife’s repeated urging to wash his hands before eating, he brushed off her concerns and proceeded to have dinner. Shortly after the meal, Kanhaiya began to feel unwell, displaying symptoms like drowsiness. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead. An autopsy was performed, and his body was returned to his family.

This tragic event underscores the significant health risks posed by improper pesticide handling and the lack of awareness surrounding safety protocols. Experts stress that pesticide residues can be hazardous if not washed off, particularly after exposure to toxic chemicals in agricultural work.

Pesticide-related deaths are a concerning issue in India. A similar incident occurred in 2023 in Pune, Maharashtra, where a 19-year-old man, after consuming alcohol, mistakenly drank pesticide from a bottle, leading to his death. Another case in 2019 involved a man in Gurugram who accidentally consumed pesticide instead of his prescribed medication, resulting in his death.

The death of Kanhaiya raises important questions about pesticide safety education. It highlights the need for greater awareness and training, especially in rural farming communities, on the proper handling of pesticides and the importance of hygiene after application. Local health and agricultural authorities must work together to improve safety practices and prevent such avoidable tragedies in the future.

The broader issue of pesticide poisoning, as shown by Kanhaiya’s death, demands urgent attention. The National Pesticide Safety Board reported over 10,000 pesticide poisoning cases across rural India in 2024. These figures underline the necessity for ongoing educational initiatives that emphasize safe practices and the critical role of hygiene in preventing pesticide-related illness.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)