Odisha Govt Bans Use Of Highly Toxic Paraquat As Herbicide

Bhubaneswar: In view of public health safety, the Odisha government has banned paraquat, a highly toxic substance used as an herbicide, for destroying weeds.

The government took the decision to prevent adverse impact of the chemical on human health and animals,, stated a press release released by the Information and Public Relations department on Thursday.

With the ban order coming into effect, sale/stock/distribution/manufacturing/use of this toxic chemical, paraquat has been prohibited in the entire state.

“As per the provisions of the Insecticides Act, 1968, the ban will be initially effective for two months. After eliciting scientific opinion from research institutions and other stakeholders, the state government will also propose to the Centre for permanent ban on this chemical in Odisha,” said the release.

After getting feedback under Mo Sarkar initiative, the Chief Minister’s Office had advised the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment to examine the matter of banning paraquat to prevent any further loss of human lives due to chemical poisoning.

In another significant decision, the government has made prescription by designated officials of the agriculture and relevant government departments as well as scientists of OUAT and agriculture research institutes mandatory for sale of pesticides and agro-chemicals by authorised dealers.