Deadly Paraquat Dichloride Claimed Over 200 Farmers’ Lives In Western Odisha!

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Over 200 farmers have lost their lives due to usage of Paraquat dichloride in the last three years in Western Odisha, a survey revealed.

The reports further revealed that three farmers were admitted to Burla-based VIMSAR in the last three-four days. However, two of them breathed their last during treatment in the hospital. This has become a matter of concern for the doctors at VIMSAR. They demanded the government to ban the usage of the deadly fertilizer and asked the agricultural officers not to encourage the farmers to use it.

Paraquat dichloride is another herbicide primarily being used by paddy farmers for weed control, but doctors have raised concern over its poisoning.

paraquat dichloride

A survey revealed that 80% of the deceased farmers in Bargarh district died after consuming Paraquat Dichloride. There is no antidote to this herbicide, the consumers of which complain of kidney, liver, and lung problems. They may recover from kidney problems but die of lung and liver-related ailments. Some also witness kidney failure.

As per reports, more than 250 people were admitted to VIMSAR in the last three years after consuming the Paraquat Dichloride. Out of them, more than 200 died while they were undergoing treatment.

Despite repeated awareness, retailers sell Paraquat Dichloride in plastic carry bags and refill bottles as farmers can’t and don’t read the label on paraquat containers. Worried farmers and senior doctors of VIMSAR appealed to the government to take necessary steps to ban it.

Earlier, separate letters were written to the Health Department and Agriculture Department to ban the usage of the fertilizer, but in vain.

No steps have been taken yet to ban the deadly fertilizer, alleged people of all quarters. The government should act soon before it claims the lives of more farmers, they demanded.

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