‘Alarming rise of brain tumours among orchard workers in Kashmir, reportedly linked to pesticide exposure’

Jammu, Dec 8: A meeting of the Committee on Environment, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, was held on Monday to discuss malignant Brain tumours linked with pesticide exposure among the Orchard workers and farmers in the Kashmir Valley.

The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of Environment Committee, MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and attended by members Dr Sajjad Shafi; Peerzada Feroze Ahmad; Zafar Ali Khatana; Mushtaq Guroo and Darshan Kumar.

The meeting had a detailed discussion on the alarming rise of primary malignant brain tumours among the orchard workers and farmers in Kashmir Valley, reportedly linked to pesticide exposure. The SKIMS data (2005-2008) highlighted the issue, sparking concerns about the health and well-being of those living and working in the region’s orchards. Key questions were raised about annual screening programs for neurological illnesses and cholinesterase levels, and the proposed steps for initiating mass health surveillance.

Other issues discussed included issuance of departmental advisory to the public regarding safe pesticide use and health hazards, steps being taken to introduce safe pesticide alternatives and biological agents, conduct of awareness programs for the farmers, existing rehabilitation or medical assistance schemes for the pesticide-affected families and orchard workers besides status of the mechanism for periodic reassessment of pesticide safety on neurological health.

Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr Abid Rasheed Shah, Director SKIMS, Srinagar and other senior health authorities briefed the Committee about the issues highlighted in the meeting. They assured that every possible step would be taken up to sort out all these issues on priority.

Chairman, Pollution Control Board J&K, Vasu Yadav; Principal GMC Jammu; Director Health Jammu; Director Horticulture (K); Director Agriculture (K) and Director Law & Enforcement JK also apprised the Committee of the issues highlighted in the meeting.

The Chairman directed the concerned officers to evolve an effective mechanism for prompt redressal of the issues highlighted in the meeting. He also directed them to constitute a task force involving experts of the field to look into the main cause behind this cancerous disease.

The Chairman asked the Horticulture and Agriculture authorities to adopt a mechanism to check quality of pesticides and their uses. He also asked to educate the farmers and orchard workers  regarding safety and prevention measures.

The Chairman directed the health authorities to take measures to conduct fresh study in the matter to ascertain the factual position so that the risk of cancer (malignant brain tumour) cases could be reduced.