Paraquat ban could cost Thailand RM78bil, warn academics

A Thai government panel has proposed to end the use of paraquat and two other chemicals from Dec 1, but this is being met with massive opposition. – The Nation/ANN

BANGKOK, Thailand (ANN): Millions of Thai sugarcane farmers and some academics have voiced opposition to the ban on farm chemicals paraquat and glyphosate, saying the discontinuation of these substances can cost the sugar industry as much as Bt570bil (RM78bil).

Thongkam Cheongklad, chairman of the Sugarcane Farmers Association, said if paraquat – a chemical used to control weeds – is prohibited, it will have a significant impact on the cost of production for farmers. It has also been reported that the substitution for paraquat is quite expensive and may not be as effective.