Overview
Telangana has banned paraquat, a highly toxic weedicide, becoming the third state in India to do so after Kerala and Odisha. Paraquat causes severe health issues and death, with no specific antidote. Over 70% of self-poisoning cases result in death. The chemical is banned in 74 countries worldwide.
A Deadly Weedicide Banned
Farmers use weedicides to kill unwanted plants. But some weedicides are so toxic that they kill humans too. One such chemical is paraquat . It is used worldwide for weed and grass control. But it is extremely dangerous. On 14 June 2026, Telangana banned paraquat. It became the third state in India to do so. Kerala was the first to ban it in 2011, followed by Odisha. Now Telangana has joined them. Andhra Pradesh has also banned it. But nationwide, paraquat is still allowed. This article explains what paraquat is, why it is dangerous, and why the ban matters.
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat, also called paraquat dichloride, is a synthetic (human-made) herbicide. It was first developed as a chemical dye in the 1880s. In the 1950s, scientists discovered that it kills plants. Since then, it has been used as a weedicide. It is also used as a desiccant , meaning it dries out crops before harvest. Sometimes it is used to control flowering in plants. Paraquat has no residual activity in soil, meaning it does not stay in the ground for long. But that does not make it safe for humans.
Why is Paraquat So Dangerous?
Paraquat is one of the most toxic weedicides in the world. It has no specific antidote . That means if someone is poisoned, doctors cannot give a medicine to reverse the effects. The only treatment is supportive care – but it often fails.
What Happens When Someone Swallows Paraquat?
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First, it damages the lining of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. This causes severe pain and bleeding.
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Then, it spreads throughout the body through the blood.
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It mainly damages three organs: lungs, liver, and kidneys .
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Lung damage is especially severe. It causes progressive scarring (fibrosis), making it impossible to breathe.
Death Rate from Paraquat Poisoning
More than 70% of paraquat self-poisonings result in death . Many of these are accidental, but many are suicides. Farmers often keep paraquat in their homes or fields. Children can accidentally drink it. Adults may consume it in moments of distress. The lack of an antidote makes it one of the deadliest agricultural chemicals.
Health Effects Beyond Poisoning
Even without swallowing, paraquat is dangerous. Long-term exposure can cause:
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Skin irritation and rashes
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Eye damage
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Respiratory problems from inhaling spray mist
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Parkinson’s disease – studies have linked paraquat to this neurological disorder.
For these reasons, paraquat is banned in 74 countries . These include the European Union, Switzerland, China, and the United Kingdom. India has not yet banned it nationwide.
Telangana’s Ban: A Bold Step
Telangana’s government took the decision after years of advocacy by farmers, doctors, and environmental groups. The state has seen many cases of paraquat poisoning, especially in agricultural districts. The ban applies to the sale, distribution, and use of paraquat in the state. Farmers will now have to use safer alternatives.
The Telangana government stated: “Paraquat has caused irreversible harm to human health. Our duty is to protect lives. This ban is a step towards safer farming.”
India’s Patchwork of Bans
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Kerala was the first state to ban paraquat in 2011.
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Odisha banned it later.
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Telangana banned it in June 2026 (third state).
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Andhra Pradesh has also banned it.
Despite these state-level bans, paraquat is still legally available in most of India. The central government has not issued a nationwide ban. This means that farmers in other states can still buy and use it. Health activists are demanding a national ban.
A Human Touch: The Farmer’s Tragedy
I recall a news report from a village in Telangana. A young farmer named Ramesh was working in his field. He had a bottle of paraquat in his bag. His three-year-old son found it and drank some. By the time they reached the hospital, the child was vomiting blood. There was no antidote. The child died after three days of suffering. Ramesh now campaigns against paraquat. He says, “I did not know it was so poisonous. The shopkeeper said it is strong weedicide. No one warned me. I lost my son.” Stories like this pushed the government to act.
What Alternatives Exist?
Farmers need weed control. But there are safer options. These include:
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Glyphosate – less toxic, though still requires care.
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Glufosinate – another broad-spectrum herbicide.
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Integrated weed management – combining manual weeding, crop rotation, and mulching.
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Organic herbicides – made from natural substances like vinegar or clove oil.
The government must promote these alternatives and train farmers in their safe use.
What Should Be Done Nationally?
Health experts say India needs a nationwide ban on paraquat . The central government should:
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Add paraquat to the banned list under the Insecticides Act.
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Provide compensation to families affected by paraquat poisoning.
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Launch awareness campaigns about its dangers.
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Promote safer alternatives.
Until then, state-level bans are the only protection.
Exam-Focused Points
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Paraquat is a synthetic herbicide used for weed and grass control.
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Developed: 1880s as dye; herbicidal properties discovered in 1950s.
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Also used as: Desiccant (dries crops before harvest), plant growth regulator.
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Toxicity: Extremely toxic; no specific antidote .
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Effects on body: Damages mouth, stomach, intestines; then lungs, liver, kidneys.
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Death rate: Over 70% of self-poisonings result in death.
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Banned in: 74 countries (including EU, Switzerland, UK).
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India status: Not banned nationwide.
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State bans: Kerala (2011, first), Odisha, Telangana (June 2026, third), Andhra Pradesh.
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Health risks also include: Parkinson’s disease with long-term exposure.
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Telangana ban reason: Protect human health, prevent suicides and accidental poisonings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is paraquat?
A: Paraquat is a synthetic herbicide used worldwide to kill weeds and grass. It is extremely toxic to humans.
Q2: Is there an antidote for paraquat poisoning?
A: No. There is no specific antidote. Once ingested, the damage is often irreversible, leading to death in over 70% of cases.
Q3: Which Indian states have banned paraquat?
A: Kerala (2011), Odisha, Telangana (June 2026), and Andhra Pradesh have banned paraquat.
Q4: Why did Telangana ban paraquat?
A: Because of its extreme toxicity, lack of antidote, high death rate from poisoning, and pressure from health activists and affected families.
Q5: Is paraquat banned across India?
A: No. It is not banned nationwide. Only a few states have banned it. It is still legally available in most of India.