The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) on July 13, 2026, issued the Draft Banning of Paraquat Dichloride Order, 2026.
The Central Government has issued a draft order proposing a complete ban on Paraquat Dichloride insecticide under the Insecticides Act, 1968, based on recommendations from an Expert Committee and the Registration Committee.
Key reasons include:
• Serious health risks, including poisoning incidents and high fatalities
• Absence of a specific antidote
• The chemical being banned or restricted in over 70 countries
The draft order proposes:
• Immediate prohibition on import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution, and use of Paraquat Dichloride
• Cancellation of all existing registrations, with holders required to surrender certificates within three months
• Direction to State Governments to ensure enforcement
The draft has been published for public consultation, and stakeholders may submit objections or suggestions within 30 days from publication.
[Notification No. S.O. 3800(E)]
