The central government has issued a notification banning the deadly herbicide paraquat across the country. This ban is effective immediately‘B. Many doctors, scientists and agricultural experts have been demanding to stop its use for a long time. Paraquat is already banned in more than 70 countries around the world, even in the countries where it was discovered or manufactured. But for so long, this deadly chemical has been legally sprayed on farms in India. The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare issued the draft notification and gave stakeholders 30 days to submit objections or suggestions.
According to doctors, paraquat is not a common herbicideRather, it is one of the deadliest agricultural chemicals. Most worryingly, there is no specific vaccine and even small amounts can kill people. It causes severe damage to the lungs, causing the patient to be unable to breathe. It also causes severe damage to kidneys, liver, skin and eyes. Farmers and laborers working in the fields may accidentally swallow, inhale, or become infected by skin contact when spraying it. Due to this, countries like EU, UK, Switzerland and China have banned it long ago.
In India, a few states like Kerala and Andhra Pradesh had earlier tried to ban paraquat but faced various legal and technical hurdles. This time, however, a nationwide ban has been imposed on the recommendation of an expert panel formed by the government. After the draft directive, the import of paraquat became a full-fledged lawProduction, sale, transportation and consumption will be completely illegal. Manufacturers and sellers have to submit their registration certificate within three months. In India, it was allowed only for nine specific crops like tea, potato, cotton, rubber, coffee, rice, maize, wheat and grapes. However, in many places, farmers misuse it on crops such as beans for quick drying just before harvest, increasing the risk of it entering the human food chain.
The decision to ban this deadly chemical is seen as an important step forward. Because India still allows the use of many controversial pesticides that are banned abroad due to the risk of cancer or neurological diseases. glyph“Several other chemicals like SAT, 2,4-D etc are still being used in India. Experts say the ban on paraquat sends a clear signal to the country’s regulatory agencies to review and take action against other chemicals harmful to public health.