Indian Innovation: Oxime-Functionalised Fabric Minimizes Pesticide Exposure – Kisan Kavach
Guest Author: Dr. TP Rajendran, Formerly ADG (Plant Protection), ICAR and Founder Director, ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur (CG).
08 January 2024, New Delhi: India has introduced a groundbreaking innovation to safeguard farmers and laborers from pesticide exposure during crop spraying. Known as Kisan Kavach, this protective suit is the world’s first of its kind, designed to significantly minimize pesticide contact with the body. Recently launched by the Honorable Minister of Science and Technology, the suit marks a major advancement in agricultural safety and promises to transform the way pesticides are applied in fields.
Developed using Oxime-functionalised fabric, Kisan Kavach includes a cap, pants, and pullover, offering comprehensive protection to the wearer. The suit, priced at approximately ₹4,000, remains effective for up to 50 wash cycles, providing more than a year of use. This innovation is the result of research funded by the Department of Biotechnology, underscoring India’s commitment to addressing safety challenges in agriculture.
The research journey behind Kisan Kavach began in 2018, led by Dr. Praveen Kumar Vemula and a team of nine scientists from the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (DBT-inStem), Bangalore. Collaborations with the MSME startup Sepio Health Private Limited, headed by Dr. Omprakash Sunnapu, and the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) were integral to its success. Their work, published in Nature Communications (Volume 15, Article 4844, 2024), revealed the fabric’s ability to reduce pesticide exposure through dermal and nasal routes, preventing neuromuscular dysfunction and mortality.
The innovative fabric, developed using bio-degradable materials, absorbs pesticide particles, preventing them from settling on the body of the operator. Unlike conventional protective gear, Kisan Kavach is made from breathable material that ensures comfort even during long hours of work under the sun. The reusable nature of the suit further enhances its practicality and cost-effectiveness, making it an invaluable asset for farmers and laborers in India and other Asian countries, where manual and power sprayers are commonly used.
This pioneering discovery is protected under Indian Patent #201841006678 and Sri Lankan Patent #20419, which cover its unique composition, materials, and methods for deactivating toxic agents. By significantly reducing exposure to harmful pesticides, the suit addresses a critical gap in agricultural safety, offering a life-saving solution for those who work tirelessly to protect crops.
The Kisan Kavach innovation holds the potential to redefine pesticide application practices in India. It is imperative that this product, developed by Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, be integrated into the National Farming Policy and promoted through government schemes to advance Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Crop Production Management across all states and union territories.
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