More than 500 farmers have died in Rajasthan between January 2024 and January 2026 due to unsafe use of pesticides, according to information tabled in the State Assembly in response to a question by Congress MLA Amin Kagzi.
The data, shared by the agriculture department, stated that 535 deaths were reported during the period, with incidents linked largely to exposure during spraying and lack of safety precautions.
The department said farmers, agricultural labourers and others may fall ill or even die due to failure to adopt protective measures while handling pesticides, as well as due to indiscriminate or unsafe usage practices.
The government also provided financial assistance amounting to Rs 5.10 crore to the families of deceased farmers under the Chief Minister’s farmer welfare scheme during the same period.
District-wise figures showed a sharp concentration of cases in Rajasthan’s agrarian belt. Bikaner recorded the highest number of deaths at 57, followed by Churu with 56, Hanumangarh and Jhalawar with 42 each, and Jodhpur with 38 deaths. Sriganganagar and Beawar reported 31 deaths each.
At the lower end, several districts including Dholpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sirohi, Banswara, Dungarpur and Salumar reported no such deaths. Meanwhile, Kotputli-Behror, Balotra, Jalore and Udaipur recorded one death each, while a few districts such as Karauli, Dausa, Jaipur, Bharatpur and Rajsamand reported between two and five fatalities.
The Assembly was informed that there is no compensation mechanism under the Insecticides Act, 1968 or the Insecticides Rules, 1971. However, the state government continues to provide relief through welfare schemes.
The department also flagged concerns over pesticide quality, stating that 189 samples were found substandard during testing between January 2024 and January 2026. Out of 5,521 samples tested, 5,332 met prescribed standards.
Of the substandard samples, 114 were later confirmed as such, while further judicial proceedings are underway in several cases. Action taken included 282 show-cause notices, 14 seizure cases, suspension of 14 licences and cancellation of 22 licences.
The government said no cases of open sale of banned, fake or substandard pesticides were reported during the period.
Responding to the data, MLA Amin Kagzi said the figures highlight the urgent need for stronger monitoring, farmer training and enforcement of safety norms.
The agriculture department also noted that efforts are being made to promote organic farming and encourage farmers to adopt safer cultivation practices.
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