Bhubaneswar: The State Government has banned Paraquat, a highly toxic substance used as an herbicide. It is widely used for destroying weeds.
The decision has been taken in view of public safety and to prevent adverse impact of the chemical on human health and animals. With the ban order coming into effect, sale/stock/ distribution/manufacturing/use of this toxic chemical, Paraquat has been prohibited in the entire state.
As per the provisions of the Insecticides Act, 1968, the ban will be initially effective for a period of two months.
The State Government after eliciting scientific opinion from research institutions and other stake holders will also propose the Government of India for permanent ban of this chemical in the State of Odisha.
After getting feedback under Mo Sarkar initiative, the Chief Minister’s Office had advised the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment to examine the matter of banning Paraquat to prevent any further loss of human lives due to poisoning cases.
In another significant decision, the State Government has now made it mandatory for a prescription by designated officials of the agriculture and relevant Government Departments, as well as scientists of OUAT and Agriculture Research institutes, for sale of pesticides and agro-chemicals by authorized dealers.
Detailed Guidelines will be worked out by the Department of Agriculture. This will lead to proper usage of pesticides and agro-chemicals as advocated by research scientists, thus reducing the harm on the farmers and the environment.