Deadly Herbicide Paraquat Banned in Telangana

Hyderabad: The Telangana government on Wednesday banned the sale of paraquat herbicide, which is claimed to have resulted in many deaths in the state, with immediate effect for 60 days. This is the maximum period a state can ban an agro-chemical under the provisions of the Insecticide Act of 1968, and can extend the ban for another 30 days.

A permanent ban on the use of pesticides or herbicides can be imposed only by the Central government. On March 30, the Telangana Assembly had already passed a resolution requesting the Central government to ban Paraquat. Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao who moved the resolution, is learnt to have ensured that the ban orders were issued.

The state government’s ban will apply to the distribution, stocking, selling, and manufacturing of paraquat dichloride and its derivatives and formulations.

The government, in its orders, said the decision was taken following feedback and reports on the adverse impacts of the herbicide on human and animal health, and in view of the health of farmers exposed to the chemical. The orders said the director of agriculture will take further action on implementing the ban and initiate stringent action against anyone who violates the ban order.

While the ban will take the agrochemical away from shelves, the agriculture minister, soon after the government orders were issued, initiated measures to stop the sale of Paraquat or its derivatives on ecommerce platforms on which the herbicide has been freely available and could be ordered by anyone.

Earlier, the demand for banning paraquat in the state was also taken to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy by the Telangana agriculture commission chairman M. Kodanda Reddy, following which Revanth Reddy assured him that the issue would be pursued.

Among those who threw their weight behind the ban Paraquat demand were the Telangana chapter of the Indian Medical Association, as well as leaders from the BJP, and Congress.

Doctors from various districts, and the IMA, have been concerned over the consumption of Paraquat by people seeking to take their lives and how nothing could be done to save such persons, as there is no antidote for this herbicide. Doctors have also been flagging how accidental exposure through nicks or cuts was causing serious and lasting health problems among farmers in the state.

Doctors hail paraquat ban, call for nationwide curbs

The Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), Telangana, has welcomed the state government’s decision to ban paraquat in the state, calling it a sign of the government’s commitment to protecting public health, ensuring farmers’ safety, and preventing avoidable poisoning-related illness and deaths.

In a statement, the HRDA said medical professionals across Telangana have repeatedly seen the devastating effects of Paraquat exposure, which often leads to irreversible lung damage, multi-organ failure, and death despite intensive medical care. It said the temporary ban is a significant and timely step towards saving lives and reducing the burden on emergency and critical care services.

The association also urged the Government of India to take immediate steps to impose a permanent nationwide ban on Paraquat and its derivatives. Noting that several countries have already prohibited the herbicide because of its hazardous nature, the HRDA said India should adopt similar measures in the interest of public safety.