Centre Moves to Ban Paraquat Dichloride

Recently, the Central Government issued a notification proposing a complete ban on Paraquat Dichloride, a highly toxic herbicide, citing serious public health concerns and its association with poisoning and self-harm cases.

Key Highlights

• The proposed ban covers the manufacture, import, transport, distribution, sale and use of Paraquat Dichloride.
• The decision is based on recommendations of an Expert Committee and the Registration Committee under the Insecticides Act, 1968.
• The Registration Committee cited high fatality rates, documented health risks and the absence of a specific antidote.
• More than 70 countries have already banned or severely restricted Paraquat.

Uses of Paraquat

• A non-selective contact herbicide used ....