Context:
Telangana has banned the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide linked to numerous deaths and poisoning cases, particularly among farmers and agricultural workers. The move has renewed attention on pesticide regulation, occupational safety and public health concerns associated with hazardous agrochemicals.
Explanation:
- Paraquat is a non-selective, fast-acting contact herbicide used for controlling weeds in agricultural fields, plantations and non-crop areas.
- It belongs to the bipyridyl group of herbicides and acts by disrupting photosynthesis, causing rapid destruction of plant tissues.
- Paraquat is considered one of the most toxic pesticides to humans; ingestion, inhalation or prolonged skin exposure can cause severe poisoning and death.
- The chemical primarily damages the lungs, kidneys and liver, often leading to irreversible pulmonary fibrosis and multi-organ failure.
- Due to its high toxicity, several countries have imposed restrictions or bans under pesticide safety regulations, while debates continue regarding its agricultural utility versus health risks.
- In India, pesticides are regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and administered through the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC).
- The issue highlights the broader challenge of balancing agricultural productivity, weed management, farmer welfare, public health and environmental safety through evidence-based pesticide governance.
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