The Indian state of Andhra Pradesh has introduced a 60-day ban on the sale, distribution, and use of a highly toxic pesticide.
This move makes Andhra Pradesh the latest Indian state to restrict paraquat – a herbicide linked to a significant number of poisoning deaths across the country. It follows similar temporary bans introduced in Kerala, Odisha and Telangana.
Under India’s pesticide regulatory framework, individual states have the power to introduce a temporary 60-day ban on pesticides. However, only the national government can impose a permanent ban. There is now growing pressure from health professionals, researchers, and advocacy groups for a nationwide ban on paraquat.
Last month, the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP) supported a policy roundtable in New Delhi on the “Impact of Paraquat on Public Health in India”. The event brought together policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and civil society representatives, who endorsed a joint statement calling for the phase-out of paraquat. The statement will be submitted to India’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Responding to this latest ban, Dhannya V. Sasi, CPSP Project & Policy Officer based in India said:
“Congratulations to the government of Andhra Pradesh for taking decisive action on this critical public health issue. This ban demonstrates that states can act within India’s regulatory framework.
“Every death from paraquat poisoning represents a preventable loss. The temporary bans in Kerala, Odisha, Telangana, and now Andhra Pradesh, should serve as a catalyst for stronger national action. What is needed now is regulatory change in India, with the central government implementing a permanent, nationwide ban on this lethal pesticide.”
Further Reading
BLOG: From dialogue to action: how an Indian state banned a deadly pesticide
NEWS: Myanmar and Telangana Take Action to Restrict Highly Hazardous Pesticides
BLOG: Pesticide poisoning in India: prevalence, challenges & opportunities
PUBLICATION: Paraquat at 63 – the story of a controversial herbicide and its regulations (external link)
POLICY BRIEF: Powers of states to prevent pesticide-related harms in India