BANGKOK(NNT) – The National Hazardous Substances Committee (NHSC) has resolved to delay the ban on two toxic farm chemicals, namely paraquat and chlorpyrifos, for six months to June 1, 2020, and to restrict the use of herbicides containing glyphosate.
A meeting of the NHSC on Wednesday (Nov 27) revised its decision to prohibit the use and distribution of paraquat, chlorpyrifos and glyphosate, which was to take effect on December 1 this year.
After considering a proposal from the Department of Agriculture, the NHSC agreed to postpone the ban on paraquat and chlorpyrifos for 6 months and to restrict the use of glyphosate, without an outright ban.
The NHSC also assigned the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to seek alternative substances and to develop with measures to help farmers and minimize the impact on different sectors. They are to propose the measures to the NHSC within four months.
