Hyderabad: Warangal MP Kadiyam Kavya on Friday raised concerns in the Lok Sabha over the rising cases of paraquat poisoning in Telangana and across the country, describing it as a serious public health issue. Addressing the Parliament, she emphasised that paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide, continues to be easily accessible in India despite being banned in several countries, contributing to suicides among farmers and students. The issue was recently highlighted in TOI where medical bodies such as the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Telangana and several MPs flagged the dangers associated with paraquat and called for safer alternatives, improved packaging, and greater public awareness.“Paraquat is internationally recognised as one of the most toxic herbicides used in agriculture. Even minimal exposure through inhalation or skin contact can have hazardous effects on the human body. The sad part is that there is no antidote for this dangerous poison, which is frequently used by poor farmers,” said Kavya. She added that the chemical also has harmful environmental impacts, affecting soil, sand and water.The MP urged the Centre to take urgent steps, including stricter regulation or a complete ban on the chemical, to prevent further loss of lives. Pointing out that more than 70 countries, including China and the United Kingdom, have banned the herbicide, she appealed to the Union ministries concerned to take action.“I request the Union ministers for agriculture and farmers’ welfare, and chemicals and fertilisers, to ban this dangerous substance. There is no coming back once it is consumed, and many who ingest it die. As states have limited powers in this matter, I urge the Centre to bring a policy and ban paraquat dichloride,” she added. Kavya’s demand echoes similar appeals made by medical bodies such as the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Telangana and several MPs who repeatedly flagged the dangers associated with paraquat and called for safer alternatives, improved packaging, and greater public awareness. According to the IMA Telangana estimates, nearly 5,000 to 6,000 deaths occur every year in the state due to paraquat poisoning, with most cases linked to suicide among farmers, students and other vulnerable groups.
