The Indian government has prohibited the use, sale and stockpiling of paraquat dichloride, a herbicide previously used to accelerate the harvesting of summer green gram, following a ban imposed by the Central government.
The Madhya Pradesh state agriculture department issued an order enforcing the prohibition on Thursday and warned companies and dealers of strict action for violations.
Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Department Director Umashankar Bhargava said all companies and dealers handling the chemical had been instructed to dispose of their existing stocks through scientifically approved methods. Authorities will take action if the banned herbicide is found in storage or offered for sale, he added.
“Instructions have been given to companies and dealers to destroy all the stock scientifically. Action will be taken against them if any stock or sale of the herbicide is found. Farmers also can’t use it any more, and they would be made aware of the ban,” Bhargava said.
The chemical was used by farmers in Madhya Pradesh to speed up the harvesting of summer moong, which is cultivated as a third crop in more than 12 districts of the state. According to the agriculture department official, the herbicide was used to bring about ripening within 72 to 90 hours, allowing farmers to complete harvesting more quickly.
Paraquat dichloride has been prohibited in more than 70 countries because of concerns over its potential health risks. Its use in agriculture has drawn scrutiny over the possible dangers associated with chemical residues and exposure.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra senior scientist GS Chundawat welcomed the government’s decision, arguing that the chemical was intended for use on non-agricultural land but was being applied by some farmers to increase moong production.
“This is a good decision, as the use of paraquat dichloride is for non-agricultural land, but a few people are using it for bumper production of the moong. Many studies suggest that paraquat is highly dangerous for the human liver and kidneys. Now, the government should also check the use of insecticides on vegetables and fruits.”
The ban comes amid an ongoing debate in Madhya Pradesh over chemical use in summer moong cultivation and the procurement of the crop at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
In July 2025, the state government announced that it would discontinue MSP procurement of summer moong, citing concerns about the use of weedicides and herbicides during cultivation. The decision was linked to concerns raised by agricultural scientists about the potential risks associated with chemical applications intended to boost production.
Ashok Varnwal, who was then the additional chief secretary of the agriculture department and is now the state’s chief secretary, had defended the government’s position by arguing that public procurement should not encourage farming practices involving potentially harmful chemicals.
“Many agricultural scientists have alerted us to the risks of using herbicides to increase greengram production in MP,” he said at the time.
However, the government subsequently reversed its decision following protests by farmers and resumed procurement of summer moong at the support price.
The latest prohibition on paraquat dichloride marks another intervention by the state authorities in the cultivation of summer moong, as officials seek to enforce restrictions on the chemical and inform farmers about the ban.
