HYDERABAD: The government has issued orders imposing a temporary 60-day ban on the sale, stock, distribution, manufacture and use of Paraquat and its formulations across the state.
According to orders issued by the Agriculture and Cooperation department on Tuesday, the move comes after the state government on Monday adopted a resolution in the Assembly urging the Central government to impose a complete ban on the sale and use of Paraquat dichloride.
Citing feedback and reports from various sources on the adverse effects of the chemical pesticide Paraquat and its derivatives/formulations on human health and animals, and keeping public health and farmers’ safety in view, the state government invoked powers under Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, to issue the order.
The temporary restriction has been imposed in view of growing concerns over the pesticide’s harmful impact.