Govt Launches India's First Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit Kisan Kavach to Protect Farmers

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has launched Kisan Kavach, India's first anti-pesticide bodysuit, designed to protect farmers from harmful pesticide exposure. This launch represents a significant step towards ensuring the safety of farmers and aligns with government's vision of using science and technology to empower agriculture.

The innovative bodysuit, developed by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., provides protection against pesticide-induced health complications like breathing disorders, vision loss, and, in extreme cases, death. Highlighting its impact, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the urgent need for such solutions to fill a critical gap in agricultural safety.

Kisan Kavach utilizes advanced fabric technology to neutralize harmful pesticides upon contact. This washable and reusable suit, priced at Rs 4,000, has a lifespan of up to a year, providing a cost-effective solution to an enduring problem. Dr. Singh praised the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and BRIC-inStem for leading this initiative, describing it as a testament to the Modi Government’s commitment to integrating innovation with agriculture.

The bodysuit’s manufacturing process involves covalent attachment of a nucleophile on cotton fabric, which is stitched as “Kisan Kavach®”. This Kisan Kavach fabric can deactivate pesticides upon contact through nucleophilic mediated hydrolysis, thereby preventing pesticide-induced toxicity and lethality. These findings are reported in the journal Nature Communications.

“Over the last decade, the number of biotech startups in India has surged to over 8,500, positioning the country on track to achieve a $300 billion bioeconomy. Initiatives like Kisan Kavach not only safeguard our farmers but also propel us towards climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable development,” Dr. Jitendra Singh stated.

During the event, the first batch of Kisan Kavach suits was distributed to farmers, marking a significant step in protecting the 65% of India’s population engaged in agriculture. Dr. Jitendra Singh assured that as production scales up, the suits will become even more affordable, making them accessible to farmers nationwide.

Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by calling Kisan Kavach a beacon of hope for India’s agricultural community. This innovative technology, he stated, reflects India’s capability to create solutions that prioritize its people’s well-being while advancing national progress.

The launch event was attended by key dignitaries, including Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Dr. Maneesha Inamdar, Director, BRIC-inStem; and Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser, DBT.