Paraquat importation, use to cease next year
IMPORTATION and use of paraquat will cease from January next year.
Minister for Agriculture Dr Mahendra Reddy said the ban was issued after various research and tests were done.
He said the ministry had also been informed that paraquat had contributed to many suicidal deaths in the country.
“We have been doing our tests and after this research and logical thinking, we have decided to ban the importation and use of paraquat and other chemicals that have active ingredients such as gramoxone and other insecticides,” he said.
“As you know, paraquat has had major environment effect and we cannot continue to use chemicals which in one way is supporting economic activity but in another way, poses health and safety risks.
“Our tests showed us that the paraquat residue found in soil remains there for a long period of time and we consume the products from farms and putting our health to danger.”
Dr Reddy said paraquat had become Fiji’s second highest contributing factor to suicidal cases.
He added that the tests conducted also showed traces of paraquat in honey as bees feed on plants on farms that have been affected by the insecticide.
“We have seen its harmful effect on bee farming which we have actively promoted so we need to ban this insecticide which affects our products,” Dr Reddy said.
“Canefarmers under the Fair Trade have also been banned from using paraquat.
“We want to protect the health of our Fijians and protect our environment as well. The health of all Fijians is paramount and we will do everything possible to preserve the quality of life.”
Dr Reddy said 41 countries around the world have banned the use of paraquat.