Why India Should Ban, Not Just Restrict, Use of Dangerous Weedicide Glyphosate

The Indian government is finally ‘satisfied’ formally that the use of glyphosate, a widely used weedicide, involves health hazards for human beings and animals. However, the use is still restricted and not banned. Around 35 brands of glyphosate are available in India, according to a report by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN), a non-profit working on pesticide issues.

April 1, 2023 | Source: DownToEarth | by Vineet Kumar

The Indian government is finally ‘satisfied’ formally that the use of glyphosate, a widely used weedicide, involves health hazards for human beings and animals. However, the use is still restricted and not banned.

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare decided to restrict the Glyphosate usage through a notification ‘Restriction on use of Glyphosate Order, 2022’ dated October 21, 2022.

This decision has been taken after considering the report of the Expert Committee and consultation with the Registration Committee, set up under the Insecticides Act, 1968. The notification refers to the central government receiving a report from the Kerala government for prohibiting the distribution, sale and use of glyphosate and its derivatives.

Around 35 brands of glyphosate are available in India, according to a report by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN), a non-profit working on pesticide issues.