📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Yann Forget
Agriculture
Madhya Pradesh bans paraquat dichloride, orders destruction of stocks
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 14 Oct 2026, 11:15 PM
👁 18
The Madhya Pradesh government has prohibited the sale and storage of the highly toxic pesticide paraquat dichloride used for rapid drying of moong crops, directing firms to destroy existing inventories.
Madhya Pradesh's state administration has issued an immediate ban on paraquat dichloride, a pesticide known for its extreme toxicity, which is commonly applied to accelerate the drying of moong (green gram) crops. The order prohibits both the sale and storage of the chemical across the state.
The directive, issued by the state agriculture department, also mandates that all existing stocks held by agro‑chemical firms be destroyed under official supervision. Companies have been instructed to submit details of their inventories and cooperate with authorities to ensure safe disposal.
Officials highlighted the health risks associated with paraquat exposure, including severe skin and respiratory injuries, prompting the swift regulatory action. The ban aims to protect farmers, farm workers, and consumers from potential contamination.
The government has not announced any compensation for affected businesses, but it has assured that the disposal process will follow environmentally sound procedures. The move aligns with broader national efforts to curb the use of hazardous agro‑chemicals.
Stakeholders are expected to comply within a stipulated timeframe, after which enforcement actions may be taken against non‑compliant entities.
The directive, issued by the state agriculture department, also mandates that all existing stocks held by agro‑chemical firms be destroyed under official supervision. Companies have been instructed to submit details of their inventories and cooperate with authorities to ensure safe disposal.
Officials highlighted the health risks associated with paraquat exposure, including severe skin and respiratory injuries, prompting the swift regulatory action. The ban aims to protect farmers, farm workers, and consumers from potential contamination.
The government has not announced any compensation for affected businesses, but it has assured that the disposal process will follow environmentally sound procedures. The move aligns with broader national efforts to curb the use of hazardous agro‑chemicals.
Stakeholders are expected to comply within a stipulated timeframe, after which enforcement actions may be taken against non‑compliant entities.