A Call to Ban Paraquat: Urgent Public Health and Policy Roundtable in India

A roundtable at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi addressed the health risks posed by the herbicide paraquat in India. Experts from various fields discussed the toxic chemical's impact, the push for a national ban, and transitioning to safer alternatives without harming agricultural productivity.

A high-level roundtable was held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on May 6, 2026, focusing on the pressing need to tackle the public health risks associated with the herbicide paraquat. The meeting, organized by ETI Services and The University of Edinburgh, brought together Members of Parliament, policymakers, health experts, and civil society representatives.

Dr. Sukriti Chauhan, CEO of ETI Services, highlighted the broader social implications of paraquat poisoning, stressing the need for coordinated action across sectors based on evidence and lived experiences. Participants noted paraquat's intersection with agricultural policy, public health, and suicide prevention, emphasizing the necessity of investing in safer alternatives.

Prominent voices, including Dr. G.V. Ramanjaneyulu from the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Prof. Peter Victor John from Christian Medical College, argued for a phased national ban on paraquat. They underscored the viability of alternatives and the importance of protecting public health without compromising agricultural outputs.