Dr Singh launches Kisan Kavach, first anti-pesticide bodysuit for farmers

Science and Technology Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday launched India’s first-of-its-kind anti-pesticide bodysuit, Kisan Kavach in New Delhi. In a statement, the Science and Technology Ministry said that this bodysuit is designed to protect farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure. It said that the washable suit offers protection against pesticide-induced toxicity, which often leads to severe health complications, including breathing disorders, and vision loss.
Speaking at a Press Conference, Dr Singh said that the Kisan Kavach is a groundbreaking solution addressing a critical gap in farmers’ safety. He said that with initiatives like Kisan Kavach, the government is not only safeguarding farmers but also advancing towards climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable development. The event also saw the distribution of the first batch of Kisan Kavach suits to farmers. “Kisan Kavach is not just a product but a promise to our farmers to safeguard their health as they continue to feed the nation,” Dr. Jitendra Singh stated. The washable and reusable suit, priced at Rs 4,000, can last up to a year and employs advanced fabric technology to deactivate harmful pesticides upon contact, ensuring farmer safety like never before.
Dr Singh commended the efforts of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and BRIC-inStem for spearheading the project and delivering a society-centric innovation. He highlighted the Modi Government’s sustained focus on integrating science, technology, and innovation to empower the agricultural sector, reflecting in initiatives such as Kisan Kavach and policies like the BioE3 biomanufacturing initiative.“Over the last decade, the number of biotech startups in India has surged to over 8,500, putting us on track to achieve a $300 billion bioeconomy. With initiatives like Kisan Kavach, we are not only safeguarding our farmers but also advancing towards climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable development,” he added.