Thailand bans three toxic farm chemicals from December

Thailand will prohibit the use of three toxic farm chemicals starting December this year.

A Thai farmer sprays herbicide on the field (Photo: www.chiangraitimes.com)
A Thai farmer sprays herbicide on the field (Photo: www.chiangraitimes.com)
Thai Deputy Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives Minister Mananya Thaiset said representatives of the government, farmers and consumers have unanimously voted to ban paraquat, glyphosate and chlorpyrifos from December 1.
From that date, it will be illegal to have, sell, import or produce the substances.
Earlier, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had ordered the setup of the working group with members from the government and the private sector, as well as farmers and consumers, to hear opinions on the future of the three chemicals.
However, representatives from agricultural chemical businesses did not attend the meeting.
The landmark decision will be submitted to PM Prayut for approval. The National Hazardous Substances Committee of the country will then formalise the end of the three toxic farm chemicals.

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