Centre Imposes Restrictions on Paraquat...Kodandareddy Welcomes Decision

The Telangana Agricultural and Farmers Welfare Commission Chairman M. Kodandareddy welcomed the Centre’s decision to prohibit the registration of Paraquat Dichloride. The Central Government, through a notification issued under the Insecticides Act, 1968, has prohibited fresh registrations and cancelled existing registration certificates for the herbicide, citing risks to human beings and animals. The Registration Committee has also been directed to recall the certificates, while state governments have been asked to take necessary steps to implement the order.

Kodandareddy said the decision gives importance to the health and safety of farmers and stressed the need to create awareness about the risks associated with hazardous herbicides and promote safer alternatives. The Telangana Agricultural and Farmers Welfare Commission has urged the Agriculture Department to take necessary steps to implement the Centre’s order effectively in the state, assess the existing situation and available stocks of Paraquat Dichloride, and initiate further measures as required.