The Government of Andhra Pradesh, on May 22, 2026, issued a notification prohibiting the sale, distribution and use of Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL herbicide and all its formulations across the State of Andhra Pradesh due to public health and safety concerns.
The prohibition has been imposed under Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968 on the ground that the herbicide is likely to involve risk to human beings. The restriction will remain in force for a period of sixty days from the date of publication of the notification in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette, pending further investigation into the matter.
The notification directs all manufacturers, distributors, dealers, retailers and users of Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL and its formulations in Andhra Pradesh to comply with the prohibition with immediate effect. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh, has been instructed to ensure enforcement through district administration and concerned authorities.
[G.O.Rt. No. 421]
