Union government bans herbicide paraquat linked to thousands of deaths
The Union Ministry of Agriculture has notified a ban on paraquat dichloride, a herbicide associated with thousands of deaths due to self-harm, homicides, and accidental deaths in India. This decision follows similar bans by various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala. Farmers commonly use paraquat dichloride after harvest to clear land for the next crop. Doctors Against Paraquat campaigner, Marri Mahesh Reddy, welcomed the ban, highlighting the absence of an antidote for the chemical.
Key Points
- The Union government has banned paraquat dichloride, a herbicide.
- The herbicide is linked to thousands of deaths from self-harm, homicides, and accidental causes.
- Several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, had already banned the chemical.
- Farmers use paraquat dichloride for post-harvest land clearing.
- The ban is welcomed by health advocates due to the chemical's toxicity and lack of an antidote.
Exam Facts
- The ban was notified by the Union Ministry of Agriculture.
- Paraquat dichloride is the banned herbicide.
- Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala had previously banned it.
- Dr. Marri Mahesh Reddy campaigned for the ban under 'Doctors Against Paraquat'.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.