In the coastal district of Bagerhat, the reliance on chemical pesticides to protect crops from pests is growing rapidly, but for the farmers spraying these toxic substances, the silent toll on their health remains largely ignored.
Across various upazilas in the district, most farmers operate with little knowledge of proper application rules or the long-term hazards associated with chemical exposure.
Daily, they walk into Aman paddy fields spraying toxic chemicals without wearing any personal protective equipment, placing themselves unwittingly at serious risk of chronic health problems through indifference and lack of awareness.
Widespread disregard for safety
A recent visit to Aman paddy fields across several areas of Sharankhola and Morelganj upazilas revealed a striking picture.
Farmers were seen carrying heavy spray tanks – some strapped to their waists, others resting on their shoulders – clad in nothing more than half-sleeved t-shirts and lungis.
None wore protective masks or goggles, and not a single farmer was seen with gloves on their hands or gumboots on their feet.
Many sprayed directly against the wind or without paying attention to wind direction, allowing fine mists of toxic chemicals to settle onto exposed parts of their bodies.
Even after completing their work, their indifference persisted, with little care taken to wash hands and face properly or clean contaminated clothing.
Conversations with field workers showed that many are entirely unaware of mandatory safety gear when using pesticides. Others have sprayed in this manner for years without experiencing immediate major harm, leading them to view the practice as harmless.
Symptoms ignored by farmers
“We have always sprayed this way,” said Mojibor Howlader, a farmer from Khontakata village in Sharankhola upazila. “Sometimes our hands, eyes, and face burn slightly, but after washing with water, it goes back to normal. We have not suffered any major harm so far.”
Similar views were shared by Mukta Howlader and Salim Khan, farmers from Rajapur village.
For others, physical symptoms are already manifest, even if the root cause was previously misunderstood.
A Khalek and Motaleb Howlader, farmers from Sannyasi village in Morelganj upazila, along with Fulmia Howlader, a farmer from Amtali village, noted that prolonged spraying in paddy fields leads to severe burning in their eyes and face, accompanied by coughing at night.
They explained that they had not realised these symptoms were caused by pesticide exposure, adding that they will spray with caution from now on.
Rules ignored despite advice
Local vendors point out that guidance is provided whenever farmers purchase supplies.
Md Kabir Jomadder, a pesticide dealer at Rayenda Bazar in Sharankhola upazila headquarters, and Masud Mir, a pesticide dealer at Rajapur Bazar, explained that they advise buyers to follow usage rules and remind them that required safety measures and application instructions are printed on every bottle and packet.
Agriculture officials emphasise that field-level awareness drives are conducted regularly, though adherence remains low.
Debobrata Sarker, upazila agriculture officer, explained that village field rallies are organised to provide hands-on training on selecting correct pesticides based on crop and pest types, determining exact dosages, and wearing protective equipment.
He added that despite repeated warnings, many farmers fail to follow directives properly, creating health risks. Furthermore, unadvised, excessive, and unplanned pesticide application poses a threat to the environment and biodiversity.
To reduce chemical dependency, the agriculture department is promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
According to the upazila agriculture officer, expanding IPM techniques will reduce excessive chemical pesticide usage, preserve soil and water quality, ensure toxin-free crop production, and safeguard beneficial insects and the environment.
Medical warnings on exposure
Medical professionals warn that spraying without protection carries severe health hazards.
Dr Priyogopal Biswas, upazila health and family planning officer of Sharankhola, explained that open and unprotected pesticide application is extremely harmful, as toxic elements enter the body through skin contact and inhalation.
This can trigger burning sensations in the eyes, skin, and mouth, as well as vomiting and coughing. He advised farmers to exercise strict caution and seek prompt medical advice at the onset of any illness rather than ignoring symptoms.
