Business · India Bureau
India bans paraquat dichloride herbicide used for green gram ripening
Madhya Pradesh has issued orders prohibiting the use of paraquat dichloride, a herbicide commonly employed to accelerate the ripening of green gram crops. Authorities have warned of strict action against companies and dealers found stocking or selling the banned chemical.
LSN India ·
The Madhya Pradesh agriculture department has moved to restrict the use of paraquat dichloride, a herbicide widely utilised by farmers to expedite the ripening process in green gram cultivation. The prohibition marks a significant regulatory step aimed at ensuring agricultural safety standards across the state.
Umashankar Bhargava, director of the Madhya Pradesh agriculture department, announced that enforcement measures will be implemented against any commercial entities or distributors discovered possessing or trading in the chemical. The directive applies to all existing stocks and future sales within the state's jurisdiction.
Paraquat dichloride has been a commonly used agricultural input in India's pulse-growing regions, particularly for green gram cultivation, where farmers employ it to achieve uniform ripening and reduce harvest delays. The chemical's use, however, has drawn scrutiny from regulatory bodies concerned with agricultural practices and food safety.
The state has instructed district agricultural offices to conduct inspections and monitor compliance with the new regulations. Farmers currently utilising the herbicide are expected to transition to alternative ripening methods and approved agricultural inputs. The ban reflects broader efforts across Indian states to align farming practices with evolving safety and environmental standards.