Bathinda: Bathinda District and its adjoining areas in Malwa region of Punjab comprise its cotton belt and account for about 80% of fertilizers and pesticides consumption of state. However, over the past few years, these areas were in the news not for their cotton production but due to the reported increase in number of cancer patients and farmer suicides.While the surge in cancer in the area was initially attributed to the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals; it has been found that the presence of radioactive elements like Uranium, Radium and Radon also contributes to the increase in the gravity of the situation.Kheti Virasat is organising a two day seminar on this issue. It will bring scientists, NGOs, members of civil society & medicos together in order to catalyse the movement to demand that the Health & Environment Ministries at the State & Centre take cognizance of the situation and put appropriate measures to ensure peoples’ right to safe environment in place. < ><-->