Paraquat

Why in News?

Telangana has recently banned Paraquat, one of the world's most widely used and highly toxic herbicides (weedicides), becoming only the third State in India to prohibit its use.

About Paraquat

Paraquat, also known as Paraquat Dichloride, is a highly toxic synthetic (human-made) non-selective herbicide used worldwide to control weeds and grasses.

It was originally developed as a chemical dye in the 1880s, but its herbicidal properties were discovered during the 1950s, after which it became one of the most extensively used weed killers in agriculture.

Besides weed control, Paraquat is also used as a desiccant, helping crops dry before harvesting, and in some cases as a plant growth regulator, where it can either induce or delay flowering. Unlike many herbicides, it has no residual activity in the soil, meaning it becomes inactive after coming into contact with soil particles.

Key Characteristics

Paraquat is valued for its rapid action, as it destroys the green parts of plants within a short period by disrupting the process of photosynthesis. Since it is a contact herbicide, it kills only the plant tissues it touches and does not move extensively within the plant.

Health and Environmental Concerns

Paraquat is regarded as one of the most toxic herbicides used globally and has no specific antidote. Even a small quantity can be fatal if swallowed. After ingestion, it causes severe damage to the mouth, stomach, and intestines, before spreading through the bloodstream and affecting vital organs, particularly the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Exposure to Paraquat can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, and severe poisoning often leads to respiratory failure, multi-organ damage, and death.

More than 70% of self-poisoning cases involving Paraquat are fatal, making it one of the deadliest agricultural chemicals.

Regulatory Status

Due to its extreme toxicity, Paraquat has been banned in over 74 countries, including many in Europe. However, it has not yet been banned nationwide in India.

Within India, Kerala became the first State to prohibit Paraquat in 2011. It was followed by Odisha, and Telangana has now joined the list by banning its use. Andhra Pradesh has also imposed restrictions on the herbicide.

Significance

The decision to restrict Paraquat reflects growing concerns over farmer safety, public health, and the promotion of safer and sustainable agricultural practices. The move is also expected to encourage the adoption of less hazardous alternatives for weed management while reducing accidental poisoning and suicide-related deaths associated with the chemical.