The Andhra Pradesh government has prohibited the sale, distribution, and use of paraquat dichloride 24 per cent SL and all its formulations in the State for 60 days.

The State joins its neighbors, Telangana and Odisha, in prohibiting the highly toxic weedicide.

Since States can impose a prohibition for only two months at a time, stakeholders have called for a national clampdown on its use. In response to requests from various stakeholders, the Central government is reportedly considering a nationwide ban on the weedicide.

Invoking the Insecticides Act, 1968 (Central Act 46 of 1968), the Andhra Pradesh Government observed that the weedicide is likely to involve risk to human beings and public safety.

“All manufacturers, distributors, dealers, retailers, and users of the weedicide must comply with the prohibition orders with immediate effect,” the Government said in an order on Sunday.

The Commissioner of Agriculture will ensure the prohibition order is enforced. The order mentioned that the weedicide caused instantaneous deaths recently due to its highly toxic nature.

“The Director General of Police has recommended a temporary ban on the sale, stock, distribution, manufacture, and use of the extremely toxic herbicide,” it said.

Published on May 24, 2026