India moves towards nationwide paraquat ban, raising hope for pesticide reform
India has issued a draft notification to ban paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide, nationwide. The move is seen as a major step towards stricter pesticide regulation and agricultural safety reforms.
India is set to remove one of its most controversial agricultural chemicals from the market, as the government advances a sweeping ban on paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide with a notorious safety record. The draft notification, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, marks a significant policy shift and could reshape how hazardous pesticides are regulated across the country.Background: A chemical under global scrutinyagriculture for weed control in crops such as paddy and wheat, has been at the center of a long-standing health and safety debate. Despite being banned in over 70 countries, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and China, paraquat continued to be used legally in India. The chemical’s lack of an antidote, coupled with its ability to cause irreversible lung damage and multiple organ failure even in small doses, has led to calls for its prohibition by health experts and environmental advocates.The scope and significance of the banRegistration Committee. Once finalized, the order will require all holders of paraquat registrations to surrender their certificates within three months, effectively ending the herbicide's legal use in Indian fields.Health and environmental risks drive policy actionPrevious regulatory hurdles and renewed resolveKisan Tak, a portal specializing in agricultural issues and affiliated with India Today Digital, government concern over paraquat’s misuse and toxicity was a principal factor behind the latest policy decision. The move is also consistent with growing advocacy from Indian media and public health organizations urging stricter pesticide controls.Implications for Indian agriculture and global tradeBroader push for safer agricultural practicesLooking ahead: Towards a safer agri-sectorpesticide regulation. As the consultation period opens, stakeholders across the spectrum are expected to weigh in, balancing economic interests against public health priorities. The decision will be closely watched by international trade partners, domestic industry players, and advocacy groups alike.