Who will protect our children from Jatropha poisoning? by Pankaj Oudhia
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Who will protect our children from Jatropha poisoning?by
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| Contributor:Dr. Pankaj Oudhia QA and TEM | eResDocs Formal report Free form Table of Contents Display Full eArticle | ID: 847 |
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| Abstract |
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| Indian State Chhattisgarh is taking lead in Jatropha promotion and plantation. The authorities are promoting Jatropha plantation in school compounds also. Instead of awaring the children to keep distance with this poisonous plant the authorities are encouraging to make association with this exotic weed. |
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| Jatropha Poisoning and Children |
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| Jatropha Poisoning and Children | Return To Table of Contents |
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| Few months back four curious children of Chhattisgarh tried to taste the seeds of new unknown plant. It was good in taste like roasted groundnut. They consumed it in bulk and returned to home as usual. Within few hours the vomiting started and serious conditions of the children forced their parents to admit them in hospital. After three days of serious treatment they got rid from the poison of seeds. The doctors said that the children were lucky as they were living in urban area near to hospital but imagine the fate of children living in rural and forest regions far from modern medical facilities. Next day local newspapers published that Bhagrenda poisoning caused trouble for four children. Bhagrenda is nothing but the local name of Ratanjot (Jatropha curcas) in Chhattisgarh. As the authorities are planning to put millions of acres under Jatropha plantation it is expected that such incidences will become more frequent. From different parts of Chhattisgarh the news having accidental consumption of Jatropha seeds are coming regularly. Unfortunately our children are the main victims. In other countries were Jatropha is present as problematic weed Jatropha poisoning specially in case of small children is common. The Internet is full of this information. In developed counties the weed researchers and extension workers have generated much public awareness about the harms of seeds but in African countries the incidences are still common. In India although not much record has been maintained but Jatropha poisoning is well known among the modern medical practitioners. Indian State Chhattisgarh is taking lead in Jatropha promotion and plantation. The authorities are promoting Jatropha plantation in school compounds also. Instead of awaring the children to keep distance with this poisonous plant the authorities are encouraging to make association with this exotic weed. Jatropha toxicity is well studied around the world. The reference literatures are full of information about its toxic effects. At the website Jatropha toxicity. `The poisoning is irritant, with acute abdominal pain and nausea about 1/2 hour following ingestion. Diarrhea and nausea continue but are not usually serious. Depression and collapse may occur, especially in children. Two seeds are strong purgative. Four to five seed are said to have caused death, but the roasted seed is said to be nearly innocuous. Bark, fruit, leaf, root, and wood are all reported to contain HCN (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962). Seeds contain the dangerous toxalbumin curcin, rendering them potentially fatally toxic.' The website Jatropha toxicity. also gives scientific evidences of Jatropha poisoning. The senior natives of Chhattisgarh are also aware of its harmful effects. They explain its effects in simple words 'Ek Beeja Se Pet Saf Hothe, Du Se Au, Teen Se Aspatal aur Char Se Upar' (One seed clears the motion, two results in more, three takes to hospital and four to God). The small children get these symptoms even by consuming one or two seeds. So, who will protect our children from Jatropha poisoning? The authorities? No in fact they have created this problem. Then who? Jatropha promotion in millions of acres will become a curse for our future generation. Without sufficient awareness program to inform the common people about Cancer causing seed oil and death causing Jatropha seeds theauthorities are promoting it as Ratna (Gem) of Chhattisgarh. Now the time has come to warn the authorities to stop playing with public health. |
| Related Ecoport Articles and Tables | Return To Table of Contents |
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| Related References | Return To Table of Contents |
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| Oudhia P. (2006) Kaun kharidega Ratanjot? (Who will buy Ratanjot?)- Hindi Article. Oudhia P. (2006) Banjar Bhoomi Ka Ratanjot kyon Ropa Ja Raha Hai Upjau Kheton Main? (Recommended for wasteland why Jatropha is under planting in fertile crop fields?)- Hindi Article. Oudhia P. (2005) Jatropha curcas. Oudhia P. (2006) Aiye Jane Jatropha ke vishay main nagan satyon ko. (Let us know the bare facts about Jatropha.) - Hindi Article. Oudhia P. (2004) Jatropha Fever. |
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| Research Articles - Indian Herbal Research & Methods By Pankaj Oudhia Bio-diesel project proves fatal to Magarload natives -From G Manjusainath DH News Service Raipur |
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