Mumbai, Oct 10 (IANS): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday took suo motu cognizance of reports of at least 19 farmers dying and others getting hospitalised due to exposure to fumes of toxic insecticides in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra.

The matter was first highlighted by Vasantrao Naik Shetkar Swavalamban Mission Chairman Kishore Tiwari last week, as nearly a score of farmers lost their lives and more than 600 are affected in varying degrees due to the toxic pesticides sprayed in cotton and soyabean farmlands.

The NHRC has slapped notices on the Maharashtra Chief Secretary and Secretary of Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, seeking a detailed report on the issue in a month.

It pointed out that most farmers in the country are not adequately literate and rely on government agencies for the safe use of agricultural products and ancillary techniques.

"The victim farmers have fallen prey to the callous and negligent attitude of the government departments. It appears that due to the lack of proper awareness about such a complicated technology for spraying pesticides on cotton cops, the farmers' 'Right to Life and Livelihood' has been grossly violated," the NHRC said.

It said while the state government has announced an inquiry by experts and a compensation of Rs 200,000 to each deceased farmer's family, it should also distribute free safety masks, gloves and protective clothing to the farm labour engaged in spraying the insecticides.

The NHRC directed the state government to ensure the best treatment was provided free of cost to all the affected farmers, who were currently in hospital or taking treatment as out-patients.

The state government has also been asked to inform the NHRC about remedial measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents and action against the guilty officers.