Centre’s Ban on Paraquat a Landmark Step for Farmers’ Health, Says Dr Gongura Venkateswarlu
Khammam : Dr. Gongura Venkateswarlu hails the Union Government's nationwide ban on Paraquat as a historic victory for farmer health and environmental safety.
Learn about the campaign to eliminate this hazardous herbicide and promote sustainable farming.
Welcoming the Union Government’s nationwide ban on the herbicide Paraquat, noted Doctor Dr Gongura Venkateswarlu (GV) on Wednesday described the decision as a historic step towards protecting farmers’ health, ensuring environmental safety and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
He said that with the Centre prohibiting the import, manufacture, storage, sale, transport and use of Paraquat across the country from Tuesday, India has joined more than 70 countries that have already banned the highly hazardous chemical.
Dr Venkateswarlu said the decision would help safeguard farmers from severe health risks associated with exposure to Paraquat, including damage to the lungs, liver and kidneys, as well as life-threatening poisoning.
He noted that under the Sriraksha Arogya Yatra, awareness programmes were conducted in nearly 100 villages across Khammam district to educate farmers about the dangers of Paraquat and the importance of adopting safer agricultural practices.
Senior physician Dr Shaik Edukondalu and members of the Sriraksha Arogya Yatra team actively participated in the campaign, he added.
According to Dr Venkateswarlu, the organisation had consistently campaigned for a complete ban on Paraquat in the interest of public health, and the Centre’s decision marks a significant victory for the movement to protect farmers.
He also recalled that the Telangana government had earlier initiated measures against the use of Paraquat and said the nationwide ban would further strengthen efforts to ensure farmers’ welfare.
Several village sarpanches, including those from Chintakani, Bonakal, Mushtikuntla, Guvvalagudem, Ravinuthala, Kakaravai, Allapadu and Chirumarri, welcomed the Centre’s decision and appreciated Dr Venkateswarlu’s sustained awareness campaign on farmers’ health.
Telangana travel guide Expressing gratitude to the Union Government, Dr Venkateswarlu urged farmers to completely avoid hazardous chemicals and adopt safe, scientific farming methods.
“Farmers’ health is the nation’s health. Safe agriculture is the foundation of a sustainable India,” he said.
