Proposed Ban on Carbosulfan

The Centre has moved to ban carbosulfan, an insecticide used on paddy, cotton and horticultural crops in India, citing concerns over its risks to human health and the environment. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has published a draft order in the Official Gazette proposing a ban on the manufacture, import, transport, distribution, sale and use of carbosulfan under the Insecticides Act, 1968.

The draft order, titled 'Banning of Carbosulfan Order, 2026', was issued by joint secretary Muktanand Agrawal. It states that the Central Government, after considering the report of the Registration Committee, is satisfied that the use of carbosulfan is likely to involve risk to human beings and animals, rendering it expedient to take immediate action. The order proposes an immediate ban from the date of its publication, and directs the Registration Committee to recall all certificates of registration granted for carbosulfan. According to The Tribune, holders of these certificates will have three months to surrender them, failing which action may be initiated under the Insecticides Act.

The draft order also calls for state governments to take necessary measures under the Insecticides Act. The final decision, however, will only be taken after considering feedback from stakeholders, who are asked to submit their comments by September 19, as reported by The Hindu Business Line.

Registration Committee's Findings

The Registration Committee recommended a complete ban on carbosulfan after examining available studies, data and safety concerns. According to the notification, carbosulfan is classified as a highly hazardous carbamate insecticide. It is rapidly metabolised to carbofuran, a toxic metabolite associated with severe cholinesterase inhibition and acute systemic toxicity. The committee also highlighted the insecticide's significant toxicity to birds, pollinators, aquatic organisms and other non-target species.

Additionally, the committee noted that several countries have already restricted or prohibited the use of carbosulfan. The chemical has no specific antidote for poisoning, with treatment limited to atropine and supportive measures for symptomatic management, as stated in the Registration Committee's recommendation.

Government and Expert Reactions

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the move was necessary, speaking to The Tribune on the sidelines of an event in. "Jo zaruri hai, vo to karna hi tha (What is crucial has to be done). We had been considering this step for a long time. We issued the order after consulting all stakeholders," he said. "The move reflects the government's growing scrutiny of hazardous chemicals from a safety perspective."

The Tribune reports that the ministry had constituted an expert committee on January 14 to examine the continued use of carbosulfan in India. The panel submitted its report on June 12, after which the Registration Committee considered it and made its recommendation.

Experts warned that the proposed ban could increase cultivation costs for farmers who currently rely on carbosulfan for pest control in crops like paddy and cotton. Agriculture policy analyst Ramesh Sharma told The Tribune that the prohibition is likely to push farmers towards costlier or less-established alternatives, potentially impacting their income and food security.

Company Context

FMC India, which markets carbosulfan under the brand name Marshal in a 25% Emulsifiable Concentrate form, describes it as a broad-spectrum insecticide for controlling chewing and sucking pests. The company is in transition, having signed a definitive agreement in May to sell its India commercial business to Crystal Crop Protection for $252 million. The deal includes licences for FMC brands sold in India, according to The Hindu Business Line.