India, Oct. 16 -- The Central government has banned the use of paraquat dichloride, a herbicide for summer green gram (moong dal), following which the Madhya Pradesh state government issued an order to this effect on Thursday.

Madhya Pradesh agriculture department director Umashankar Bhargava said action will be taken against companies and dealers if any stock or sale of the herbicide is found

"Instructions have been given to companies and dealers to destroy all the stock scientifically. Action will be taken against them if any stock or sale of the herbicide is found. Farmers also can't use it any more, and they would be made aware of the ban," Bhargava said.

In MP, the herbicide was used to expedite the harvesting of summer moong, whi...