Centre bans paraquat dichloride herbicide

The Government of India has notified a ban on Paraquat Dichloride, a widely used non-selective herbicide (weedicide), due to serious health and safety concerns.

• The decision follows recommendations of an Expert Committee and the Registration Committee under the Insecticides Act, 1968.
• The ban also follows similar prohibitions imposed by several States, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Kerala.

Reasons for the Ban

• The Registration Committee cited documented adverse health effects, a continuing history of poisoning incidents and high fatality rates, absence of a specific antidote.
• Medical experts state that ingestion of even a small quantity of paraquat can be fatal.
• Exposure to the chemical can cause multi-organ failure and serious long-term health complications.

About Paraquat Dichloride

• Paraquat is a fast-acting, non-selective contact herbicide used to control weeds in agricultural fields.
• It was first synthesised in the late 19th century and became widely commercialised during the 1960s.
• Although effective in weed control, it is considered one of the most toxic herbicides used in agriculture.

Global Status

• By 2026, 74 countries, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Austria, China (for domestic agricultural use), and all European Union member states, had banned the use of paraquat.
• The ban aligns India with the growing global trend of restricting highly hazardous pesticides to protect public health and the environment.

Source: TH

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