India is using more herbicides than ever before, and this is causing worry among health experts, environmentalists, and farmers. A recent report, ‘Status of Herbicides in India,’ by the Savitri Waney Charitable Foundation, highlights this increase and its harmful effects. Herbicides are chemicals designed to kill unwanted plants. They were first introduced to India in the 1950s.
The report states that many farmers, farm workers, women, and children are unknowingly exposed to these chemicals daily. Government data shows that India produced 48,630 metric tonnes of herbicides in 2021, which rose to 59,713 metric tonnes in 2022. The amount used has also gone up from 3,139 metric tonnes in 2017–18 to over 4,000 metric tonnes in 2021–22.
Commonly used herbicides include 2,4-D, glyphosate, and butachlor. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified both 2,4-D and glyphosate as potentially cancer-causing in humans. Despite these risks, herbicides are now some of the most produced and used farm chemicals in India.
The country has approved 87 different herbicides for use. Out of these, 20 are considered Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) by PAN International. The report also notes that 30 herbicides used in India are banned in other countries due to their high toxicity and negative effects.
Experts believe that weak regulations have allowed these dangerous chemicals to remain in use. The Insecticide Act of 1968 is supposed to oversee pesticide approvals, but herbicides are not specifically covered by any rules. Many herbicides currently available in India were registered before this Act and were automatically approved without proper safety checks.
The health effects of herbicides are serious. Long-term exposure can lead to breathing problems, hormone imbalances, nervous system disorders, and issues with reproduction. The report warns that even low doses can be harmful over time, while high doses can cause immediate death.
Herbicides like glyphosate and paraquat dichloride have been linked to severe diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and various types of cancer. In the United States, farmers exposed to glyphosate have won large compensation amounts after developing cancers. In India, paraquat dichloride has been particularly deadly. Between 2017 and 2019, nearly 200 cases of paraquat poisoning were reported in Odisha. Doctors there describe the situation as ‘helpless’ because there are no known antidotes, making survival chances low. The chemical damages the liver, kidneys, and lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and organ failure.
Herbicide poisoning is common in rural India, often happening by accident or intentionally. These chemicals are easily available, making them a frequent method for suicide. Most victims come from rural areas, and many cases are not reported or are misdiagnosed because medical professionals lack awareness.
Farmers and agricultural workers are at the greatest risk. They often apply herbicides without wearing protective gear, especially in hot weather. The chemicals can enter the body through the skin, by breathing them in, or through contaminated food and water. Women and children are especially vulnerable. Women farmworkers face risks due to their hormonal sensitivity and higher body fat, which can store toxins. Pregnant women may face miscarriages and birth defects. Children are exposed through the air, water, and soil, and by playing in fields where herbicides have been sprayed.
Beyond health, herbicides also harm India’s biodiversity. They kill not only weeds but also helpful plants that support soil health and wildlife. The report challenges the idea that all weeds are bad, noting that many are edible plants traditionally gathered by rural women.
The report criticizes the promotion of herbicides by manufacturers and even government agricultural programmes, which often ignore the dangers. Some government-approved farming packages recommend herbicide use, contradicting national safety guidelines.
The Savitri Foundation and its partners are calling for urgent changes in policy. They want stronger regulations, more transparency in how pesticides are approved, and the promotion of natural farming alternatives. PAN India also urges a move away from toxic farm chemicals and supports training farmers in ways to manage weeds without chemicals.
The report concludes that India must review its herbicide policies immediately to prevent more harm. The continued widespread use of herbicides is endangering many lives and could become a major public health and environmental challenge for the country.