A Decisive Regulatory Shift
The Indian Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued a draft notification proposing a comprehensive nationwide ban on the import, manufacture, sale, and use of paraquat dichloride. The order, published in the Gazette of India on July 13, 2026, follows a formal recommendation from a government-appointed expert committee that reviewed the chemical’s safety profile earlier this year.
Paraquat, a potent herbicide, has long been a subject of intense scrutiny due to its extreme toxicity. Unlike many other agrochemicals, paraquat has no known antidote, making accidental exposure or ingestion frequently fatal. The expert committee, which submitted its findings on June 12, 2026, highlighted a consistent history of poisoning incidents and high fatality rates as primary drivers for the proposed prohibition.
Addressing Public Health and Misuse
The government’s decision marks a departure from previous, fragmented state-level restrictions, which often faced legal or technical hurdles. By invoking Section 27(2) and Section 28 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, the Centre aims to unify enforcement across all states. Officials noted that the move is essential to mitigate risks to farmers and laborers, who face the highest exposure through accidental inhalation or skin contact.
Beyond its intended agricultural use—which officially included crops like tea, coffee, and cotton—paraquat has been subject to widespread ‘off-label’ misuse. Reports suggest that farmers in several regions have utilized the herbicide to prematurely dry crops such as moong (green gram) to reduce labor costs, potentially introducing harmful chemical residues into the human food supply.
Policy Implications and Precedent
The 30-day public consultation period, ending in mid-August 2026, allows stakeholders to submit objections or suggestions. Should the draft be finalized, all existing registration certificates for paraquat formulations will be cancelled, with manufacturers given a three-month window to surrender their licenses.
Industry analysts suggest this move could signal a broader shift in India’s regulatory landscape. With over 70 countries—including the European Union, the UK, and China—having already banned or phased out paraquat, India’s action aligns it with international safety standards. Experts believe that this decision may serve as a catalyst for re-evaluating other controversial pesticides currently in use, such as glyphosate and 2,4-D, which face similar global scrutiny regarding their potential long-term health and environmental impacts.