Syngenta trains doctors on the management of pesticide exposure in Amravati farmers'

Amravati, September 29.2020: Safe usage and handling of chemicals is key to the well-being and protection of farmers. Syngenta, in collaboration with the district authorities, has initiated a series of training and awareness program across Maharashtra. These programs are conducted under Syngenta's flagship initiative I-SAFE (Inculcating Safety, Awareness for Farmers Empowerment). This season despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Syngenta India has undertaken several doctor training programs in Yavatmal and Akola, and more than 150 doctors undertook the training conducted by Dr VV Pillay, Head of Poison Control Centre, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kerala; Mr Subhash Nagare. Syngenta conducts its third training session in Amravati.

Several agriculture department officials attended the program, Dr Subhash Nagare, Joint Director Agriculture, Amravati lauded the initiative and said, "This initiative equips doctors to deal with exposure issues and emergency cases.  Complementing Syngenta for its efforts, Mr Vijay Chavale, SADo, Amravati noted that being prepared to deal with exposure cases, possible treatment, antidote knowledge and first aid before reaching the nearest health centre is key to saving our farmers.  He also praised Syngenta's commitment to this cause and said that making farmers aware of the health concerns of using crop protection products is an integral part of responsible farming practises.

Dr VV Pillay; Head of Poison Control Centre, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kerala; Mr Subhash Nagare, JDA; Mr Vijay Chavale, SAO; Mr Lahuji Ade, ADO; Dr Dilip Ranmale, DHO; Mr Shyamsundar Nikam, CS along with 55 doctors and members of Indian Medical Association from Amravati were present in the training session.

Dr KC Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India Limited, said, "Farmers are at the centre of what we do. As part of our commitment to the farming community, our programmes are designed to keep farmers safe, healthy and aware of chemical use. Besides making farmers aware of the safe use of chemicals, we also train doctors to recognize pesticide exposure. He said medical stewardship is a significant component of our stewardship programs. Through our Toxico-vigilance Program, we track accidental or intentional exposure-related cases across India with support from our Poison Control Centre, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), provides the medical services. The detailed Adverse Health Incidence (AHI) Database is then updated and uploaded on a Global Online Tool", informed Dr Ravi during the session.

Under I-SAFE, Syngenta India has already trained more than 1117 medical practitioners of primary healthcare centres and rural healthcare centres through our medical experts in India in the last 24 months.

Syngenta India's field force regularly holds stewardship training & awareness sessions for farmers during all its farmer meetings and field days. In these sessions, farmers are informed and educated about The Five Golden Rules for Safe Use of Crop Protection Products. To read and understand the product label before using; exercise caution at all times when handling a product; maintain application equipment in good working condition; practice good personal hygiene before, during and after using products and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment every time before spraying.

About Syngenta

Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world-class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more, visit us at www.syngenta.com, www.syngenta.co.in, Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Syngenta

Javed Rahmatullah
Mobile: 9998922211
E-Mail: javed.rahmatullah@syngenta.com