Centre Notifies Ban on Paraquat Dichloride:
The Central Government has issued a draft notification proposing a nationwide prohibition on the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and use of Paraquat Dichloride.The proposed ban has been initiated under Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, after the government concluded that its continued use poses serious risks to humans and animals.Paraquat Dichloride is a non-selective, fast-acting herbicide (weedicide) widely used for weed control and crop desiccation before harvest in crops such as tea, cotton, coffee, rubber, paddy, wheat, maize, potato, grapes and apple.A government-appointed Expert Committee and the Registration Committee found documented adverse health effects, repeated poisoning incidents with high fatalities, absence of a specific antidote, and noted that the chemical has already been banned or severely restricted in over 70 countries.Paraquat is among the world’s most toxic herbicides. Poisoning can occur through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact, causing severe lung fibrosis, kidney and liver failure, heart damage, Parkinson’s disease, and often death due to the absence of an antidote.The decision follows growing concerns over occupational exposure, intentional self-harm, accidental poisoning, misuse beyond approved crops, and pressure from States such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala, which had sought stricter controls.The ban may increase weed-management costs and require farmers to shift to safer alternatives, but is expected to reduce health risks and prevent hazardous residues from entering the food chain.India joins the growing list of countries restricting Paraquat, marking a major step towards strengthening pesticide regulation, protecting public health, and promoting safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.
