Kisan Kavach: India’s First Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit Launched
The Kisan Kavach, India’s pioneering anti-pesticide bodysuit, was recently revealed by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, and aims to protect farmers from the adverse effects of pesticides. The launch aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to integrating science and technology into agriculture.
Development and Purpose
The Kisan Kavach was developed by BRIC-inStem in Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd. It addresses health risks faced by farmers, including respiratory issues and vision impairment. This bodysuit represents a major advancement in agricultural safety.
Features and Specifications
The Kisan Kavach is a washable and reusable suit priced at ₹4,000. It has a lifespan of up to one year. The suit employs advanced fabric technology that neutralizes harmful pesticides on contact, enhancing safety for agricultural workers.
Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the Department of Biotechnology and BRIC-inStem for their contributions to this project. The Modi administration is dedicated to encouraging scientific innovation in agriculture. Initiatives like Kisan Kavach and the BioE3 biomanufacturing programme are part of this vision.
Impact on Farmers
With over 8,500 biotech startups in the last decade, India is progressing towards a $300 billion bioeconomy. The Kisan Kavach aims to protect the 65% of the population reliant on agriculture. As production scales, the suit is expected to become more affordable for farmers nationwide.
Technical Innovation
The bodysuit’s fabric undergoes a unique process that attaches a nucleophile to cotton. This innovation allows the fabric to deactivate pesticides upon contact. Detailed findings were published in the journal Nature Communications, denoting the scientific breakthrough.
The first batch of Kisan Kavach suits was distributed to farmers during the launch event. Dr. Jitendra Singh assured attendees that increased production will enhance accessibility for farmers throughout India. This initiative marks step in promoting safer agricultural practices.
GKToday Notes:
- BRIC-inStem: BRIC-inStem is a research institute based in Bangalore. It focuses on biotechnology innovations. The institute collaborated with Sepio Health to develop the Kisan Kavach bodysuit for farmers.
- BioE3: BioE3 is a biomanufacturing initiative by the Government of India. It aims to promote sustainable biotechnology practices. The programme supports innovation in agricultural safety and environmental protection.
- Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd: Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd is a health technology company. It partnered with BRIC-inStem to create the Kisan Kavach. The company focuses on developing solutions to improve farmer safety.
Month: Current Affairs - December, 2024
Category: Agriculture Current Affairs