It’s that time of year again. Aurovilian eyes are burning, heads are aching, throats and noses are sore, and so many of us feel exhausted and nauseous. Yes, it’s cashew spraying season again. And it is not a minor problem in Auroville, according to fresh data from the newly-formed Auroville initiative Healthy Cashew Network. The Network’s community-wide 2018 health survey indicates that 42 per cent of respondents suffered headaches in last year’s cashew season, 25 per cent experienced sore throats, and about 20 percent suffered from itchy eyes, nausea and vomiting. Coughs, breathing problems and fever were all experienced. In summary, only seven per cent of 350 people surveyed said that they felt no symptoms at all.
Network member Marc was inspired to join the group when he was forced to move from his home in New Creation due to the pesticide spraying. “One morning I smelled something really strange, and it was really hurting my throat. We all ha...
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