The Indian government has published the draft "2026 Paraquat Dichloride Prohibition" in the official gazette, proposing a complete ban on the production, import, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of paraquat dichloride. After the draft is released, there will be a 30-day public consultation period, after which the government will make the final decision.

    This proposal stems from the review by the expert committee established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India on January 14, 2026. The committee submitted its report to the central government on June 12, after which the government, based on the existing scientific research, safety data, and regulatory concerns, reviewed by the registration committee established under Section 5 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, ultimately recommended a complete ban on the herbicide.

    The draft states that paraquat dichloride has been banned or strictly restricted in over 70 countries worldwide. The registration committee specifically highlights major concerns such as its documented adverse health effects, persistent high fatality poisoning incidents, and the lack of an effective antidote.

    Additionally, although paraquat is registered in India as a non-selective contact herbicide for weed control, reports and records indicate its use as a desiccant for crops to accelerate the drying of legumes such as green gram and soybean before mechanical harvesting. However, this application has not been approved for registration in India and constitutes off-label use.

    Once the order is finalized, the import, production, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of paraquat dichloride will be prohibited throughout India. All issued registration certificates for paraquat dichloride will be revoked, and the holder must return the certificate within three months. Each state government will be responsible for enforcing the ban. At present, the draft of the central government has been released for public consultation, and stakeholders can submit objections or suggestions within 30 days.