Pesticides Poison Nearly Half Of Farmers Every Year, Finds Study

A study commissioned by Pesticide Action Network has found that pesticides poison nearly half of farmers worldwide every year. The research revealed that approximately 402 to 433 million cases of unintentional acute pesticide poisoning occur annually, with around 11,000 deaths linked to pesticide poisoning each year. The study highlighted that nearly 60 percent of these deaths occur in India, while in Burkina Faso, West Africa, almost 84 percent of farmers and farm workers experience pesticide poisoning.

In response to the study's findings, Pesticide Action Network called for increased protections for farmers and a shift away from Highly Hazardous Pesticides. The organization urged governments to uphold commitments to phase out such pesticides from agriculture by 2035 and to support farmers in transitioning to safer practices. Additionally, the UK government was urged to take action, including supporting organic agriculture, monitoring farmers' health, and phasing out the use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides in global supply chains.