Draft Ban on Paraquat Dichloride
The Centre has proposed a ban on paraquat dichloride, a widely used herbicide, due to its adverse health impact and history of poisoning incidents. Stakeholders must submit objections by August 13.
Reasons for the Ban
- Cited adverse effects on human health.
- History of poisoning incidents.
- No specific antidote available for poisonings.
- Already banned in over 70 countries due to health concerns.
Usage and Importance
- Non-selective herbicide used to control weeds and grasses in agricultural and non-agricultural areas.
- Important in modern weed-management systems.
- Widely used in India for crops like tea, coffee, cotton, paddy, sugarcane, maize, rubber, grapes, and wheat.
- Rapidly desiccates weeds by damaging plant cell membranes within hours.
Industry Perspective
- Imported in bulk from Taiwan, China, and the UK, supporting weed-management across large areas.
- Marketed by several leading agrochemical companies in India.
- Kalyan Goswami of the Agro Chem Federation of India highlights potential operational and economic challenges.
- Emphasizes importance for rapid weed control and tackling labor shortages.
- Most poisoning cases are due to intentional ingestion, not regulated use.
Toxicity and Regulation
- Used as pre-plant, pre-emergence, post-emergence herbicide, and post-harvest desiccant.
- Classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide, not for homeowner use.
