Syngenta is deeply concerned and saddened at the unfortunate death and hospitalization of farm workers in the Yavatmal region in the state of Maharashtra as a result of exposure to alleged pesticide products in late 2017. These incidents have been the subject of media reporting in Switzerland this week.

We strongly condemn the various salacious and incorrect reports alleging that our crop protection product Polo was responsible for the unfortunate incidents. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that Syngenta’s product Polo, was at all responsible for the incidents that have occurred.

Furthermore, the government appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) report specifically acknowledged the efforts of Syngenta during and immediately following the incident. Syngenta was the first company to respond to the incident and worked closely with the district administration in ensuring the availability of protective equipment, providing safe handling training and medical treatment to the affected people.

Syngenta’s Polo has been successfully and safely used by Indian Farmers across the country for last 14 years without any reported incidents of fatality or casualties...