Madhya Pradesh bans herbicide paraquat dichloride used for green gram ripening

Madhya Pradesh's agriculture department has banned the herbicide paraquat dichloride, which has been used to accelerate the ripening of green gram crops. The move follows concerns over the chemical's widespread use in the state's agricultural sector.

Agriculture Department Director Umashankar Bhargava announced that strict action will be initiated against companies and dealers found stocking or selling the banned substance. The department has issued formal orders to enforce the prohibition.

Paraquat dichloride has been commonly applied to hasten crop maturity, but the ban reflects growing awareness of potential health and environmental risks associated with the herbicide's use in food crops.