Paraquat

WHY IN NEWS?

Five doctors of Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (Vimsar), Burla resorted to hunger strike for 24 hours demanding a complete ban on the sale of a herbicide called paraquat, which is widely used by farmers in western Odisha.

ABOUT PARAQUAT

• Paraquat is a toxic chemical that is widely used as an herbicide (plant killer), primarily for weed and grass control.
• In the United States, paraquat is available primarily as a liquid in various strengths. The US Environmental Protection Agency classifies paraquat as “restricted use.” This means that it can be used only by people who are licensed applicators.
• Because paraquat is highly poisonous, the form that is marketed in the United States has a blue dye to keep it from being confused with beverages such as coffee, a sharp odor to serve as a warning, and an added agent to cause vomiting if someone drinks it. Paraquat from outside the United States may not have these safeguards added.

Prelims Question

Q. Paraquat which sometimes occurs in news is?
a)Moisturizing agent in cosmetics
b)Preservative in processed food
c)Fruit ripening agent
d)Herbicide in agriculture

Answer to the Prelims Question