Central government bans deadly paraquat linked to thousands of deaths
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Farm subsidies & support· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Central Government banned paraquat dichloride, a highly toxic herbicide, following reports of thousands of fatalities and severe health risks.
Background
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare issued the ban based on reports from an Experts Committee and the Registration Committee. The decision was prompted by the lack of an antidote and high fatality rates from self-harm, homicides, and accidents.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillInsecticides Act of 1968: The primary legislation governing the registration and regulation of pesticides in India.
- FactParaquat dichloride: A non-selective herbicide known for high toxicity and lack of a specific antidote.
- BodyRegistration Committee: The body responsible for evaluating the safety and efficacy of pesticides under the Insecticides Act.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the regulatory challenges in balancing agricultural productivity with public health safety in the management of hazardous pesticides in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory lag: Delay between identifying chemical toxicity and enforcing national-level bans under the Insecticides Act.
- Information asymmetry: Lack of awareness among farmers regarding the lethal risks and lack of antidotes for paraquat.
- State-Centre friction: Discrepancies in pesticide regulation between states like Kerala/Odisha and the Union government.
Keywords: Public Health Safety · Regulatory Framework · Toxicology · Agricultural Policy · Precautionary Principle
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