Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has asked the Centre to impose complete ban on the sale, distribution, production, and use of Paraquat in the State.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India requesting for an immediate ban on the sale, distribution, production, and use of Paraquat in the State in the wake of growing concerns over the adverse effects of Paraquat herbicide on human and animal health.
Paraquat, a widely used herbicide, has been a subject of public concern in the state due to its toxic nature.
The State Government, based on reports from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, has found Paraquat and its derivatives to be extremely harmful, with detrimental effects on human health. Notably, there has been a lack of scientific research on the impact of Paraquat on soil health, human health, and the environment, Padhee said.
The VIMSAR report further said that the use of paraquat has severely affected the kidneys and liver. Some of the patients have severe breathing problems due to their toxic effects. The medical college authority had recommended the state government for a complete ban of the herbicide, he added.
Comments are closed.