Source: The Hindu
Context
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has banned Paraquat Dichloride, a highly toxic herbicide associated with thousands of deaths due to suicides, accidental poisoning, and homicides in India.
About Paraquat Dichloride
- Type: Non-selective contact herbicide.
- Use: Controls weeds by destroying green plant tissue.
- Commonly sprayed after harvesting to clear fields before the next crop.
- One of the most toxic herbicides used in agriculture.
Reason for the Ban
- Extremely toxic to humans.
- No specific antidote is available.
- Even small quantities can cause:
- Multi-organ failure
- Lung fibrosis
- Kidney and liver damage
- Death
- Frequently used in cases of:
- Suicide
- Accidental poisoning
- Homicide
