In a groundbreaking move to enhance farmer safety, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled Kisan Kavach, India’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit. Developed by BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., this innovative bodysuit aims to protect farmers from toxic pesticide exposure. The launch aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging science and innovation to empower the agricultural community.
Technical details and usage
Kisan Kavach addresses a critical health gap in India's agricultural sector, where pesticide exposure can lead to severe health risks such as respiratory illnesses, neurological damage, vision loss, and even death. The bodysuit is washable and reusable, priced at an affordable ₹4,000, and can last up to a year. It employs advanced fabric technology using a covalent attachment of a nucleophile on cotton, which deactivates harmful pesticides upon contact through a nucleophilic hydrolysis mechanism. This innovation, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, represents a significant scientific breakthrough with practical benefits.
Commitment to farmer safety
Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and BRIC-inStem for delivering an innovation that directly impacts farmers’ lives. “Kisan Kavach is not just a product; it is a promise to our farmers that their health and safety matter as they work tirelessly to feed the nation,” he said.
Collaborative efforts and production
The development of Kisan Kavach was made possible through significant collaboration: BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru, led the research and technological development; Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd. contributed to design and production; and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) facilitated the initiative under its mission to foster science-driven, society-centric innovations.
Distribution and future prospects
The event also marked the official distribution of the first batch of Kisan Kavach suits to farmers. Dr. Jitendra Singh assured that as production scales up, the cost of the suits will reduce, ensuring greater accessibility to India’s vast farming community. He emphasized the need for such innovations to improve working conditions and quality of life for the 65% of India’s population engaged in agriculture.
The launch of Kisan Kavach represents a monumental step in safeguarding farmers' health and enhancing agricultural productivity. This initiative not only aims to minimize pesticide-related health risks but also underscores India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and innovation-driven development. By integrating advanced scientific research with practical solutions, Kisan Kavach exemplifies the government’s dedication to empowering Bharat’s Annadata (India’s farmers) and ensuring their safety, health, and prosperity. “This is science for society, science for safety, and science for growth,” concluded Dr. Jitendra Singh.
