Kisan Kavach – Bharat’s Indigenous Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, unveiled Kisan Kavach, India’s first indigenous anti-pesticide bodysuit. Developed by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., the suit aims to safeguard farmers from pesticide-induced health risks. The launch aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging science and technology to empower India’s agricultural community.

Key Highlights

Innovation Objective

• Designed to protect farmers from harmful pesticide exposure.
• Addresses severe health issues such as breathing disorders, vision loss, and fatalities.

Development

• Created by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd.
• Supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

Key Features

• Washable and reusable, lasting up to a year.
• Advanced fabric technology deactivates pesticides on contact.
• Priced at ₹4,000 with plans for greater affordability through scaled-up production.

Scientific Basis

• Fabric involves covalent attachment of nucleophile to cotton, enabling pesticide deactivation via nucleophilic hydrolysis.
• Research findings published in Nature Communications (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49167-3).

Significance

• Fills a critical safety gap in agriculture.
• Protects the health of farmers, 65% of whom form the backbone of India’s workforce.
• Promotes climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

Launch Event

• Distribution of the first batch of Kisan Kavach suits to farmers.
• Attended by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale (Secretary, DBT), Dr. Maneesha Inamdar (Director, BRIC-inStem), and Dr. Alka Sharma (Senior Adviser, DBT).

Government Focus

• Emphasis on science and technology for societal good.
• Reflects the Modi government’s BioE3 biomanufacturing policies.
• Supports India’s booming biotech sector, targeting a $300 billion bioeconomy.

Future Outlook

• Scalability and affordability to enhance accessibility.
• Strengthens India’s position in agricultural innovation.