Three: Where?

The locations were chosen from states and districts where cotton cultivation and pesticide use are high, and from where earlier reports of pesticide-related problems have emerged. The problems here could have been environmental, human health or agronomic.

Greenpeace partners in this study were local organizations who conducted the field research. Dharamitra in Maharashtra, ICRA, Sewa and Janachetana in Karnataka, SIRPI in Tamil Nadu Kheti Virasat in Punjab, Sarvodaya Youth Organization in Andhra Pradesh and Yusuf Meherally Centre in Gujarat all had excellent credentials in their work on sustainable agriculture, and/or with children and farmers. The partner organizations were also groups that were keen on promoting organic farming in the study locations. Researchers were recruited for the purposes of the study by these organisations that were adequately trained. The tests were verbally and individually administered to the children. Researchers gave the children demonstrations beforehand especially for the younger age group. They also spent time in their schools and played with them to establish a rapport. The games were played in the presence of their family members and/or teachers.

The children in the 4-5 age group were found in anganwadis [or pre-schools/kindergartens]. Most of the children in the 9-13 age group were school-doing children.

Age group

448 (4-5 years) …. (4-5 years)
+ 451 (9-13 years) …. (9-13 years)
_____________ ______________
899 children (study group) 749 children (control group)