Ban on Paraquat Herbicide Extended for 30 Days in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: As a proper antidote for Paraquat herbicide is yet to be found, the Odisha government extended the prohibition of Paraquat herbicide for another 30 days.

Through an official order, the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment department on Wednesday, said it had received feedback from various sources on the adverse effect of chemical pesticides including Paraquat on human health and animals.

“In view of public safety, the sale/stock/distribution/manufacturing/use of Paraquat and its derivatives or formulation are banned in the state for a period of another 30 days after the completion of 60 days ban imposed in the previous order issued on October 5,” the order said.

This herbicide is used to eradicate undesired plants and weeds from agricultural lands. Sometimes it is used for aquatic weed control.

As the chemical has an extremely adverse effect on the health of humans and animals, the state government has decided to completely stop the sale, manufacture and use of this toxic chemical, Paraquat in Odisha under provisions of the Insecticides Act, 1968.