Studies have indicated that the use of pesticides in food crops even at low doses can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, breast cancer and prostate cancer informed Mr. Vengatraman, Agricultural Scientist & Founder of Sarvanas B-Naturo.

Mr. Vengatraman spoke during the inauguration of Organic products Shop on August 3, 2016 at Chennai, Tamilnadu. The Organic product shop was conceived under the ECO-DRR Udhayam project of Caritas India for promoting ecosystem based livelihood for poor people at the lowest rung of the community. It is one of the outcome of project orientation and People led approach exercise conducted in the target villages.

SHG from Mehtha Nagar, Chennai internalized the concept and practiced the same in the form of Organic Product Shop. They have started the organic products shop with the initial investment of Rs.75,000/-. Dr.Vengatraman, agricultural scientist and the founder of Saravanas B-Naturo helped them to create awareness among the SHG Members and start living eco-friendly.

He underlined that exposure at an early age may cause developmental delays, behavioral disorders, autism, immune system harm, and motor dysfunction. Pregnant women are more vulnerable due to the added stress pesticides put on their already taxed organs. It is passed from mother to child in the womb, as well as through breast milk. Most of us have an accumulated build-up of pesticide exposure in our bodies due to numerous years of exposure. This chemical “body burden” as it is medically known could lead to health issues such as headaches, birth defects, and added strain on weakened immune systems. He advised the SHGs to build positive energy to revive the culture, customs and practises for the prosperity, posterity and longevity.

Dr. John Arokiaraj, Caritas State Officer for Tamilnadu detailed the significance of ECO-DRR UDHAYAM Project components namely Disaster Risk Reduction, Soil and water mgt, Environmental protection, Livelihoods: Farm based, off farm, Entrepreneurship, Integrated family farming, Health and Sanitation, Solid Waste Management, Human Well being and Governance. He interacted with the participants and clarified their queries.

Fr. Patrick. I. Joseph, Executive Director of Madras Social Service Society and the implementing partner of the project had assured complete support for the sustainability of this SHGs and the dissemination of the ECO-DRR concept to other grass-root communities.