Cheap, effective and dangerous: how Australian farmers came to depend on the toxic weedkiller paraquat

Australian farmers have increasingly relied on the herbicide paraquat due to its low cost and effectiveness in weed control, despite its global ban in many countries due to its high toxicity and risk of fatal poisoning. The herbicide's usage has raised concerns over health risks to farm workers and environmental damage, sparking debates about safety regulations and sustainable farming practices. The reliance on paraquat underscores broader issues in agricultural policy and the tension between economic benefits and public safety.