Recently, the central government of India issued an order banning the use of four pesticides from the original list of 27 pesticides, including the controversial monocrotophos. However, the ban provides a one-year transition period, and before the expiration of the transition period, the sale, distribution or use of 36% monocrotophos SL is allowed to clear existing stocks.
In addition to monocrotophos, the other three pesticides banned by the government in the announcement prepared on September 29, 2023, which will be published on October 6, 2023, are dicofol, dicofol and methomyl.
Carbofuran, one of the original 27 banned pesticides, was also mentioned in the recent announcement. The Pesticide Action Network clarified in a statement that all carbofuran formulations should be discontinued except those containing carbofuran 3% microencapsulated granules (CG) labeled for designated crops. This means that carbofuran 3% microencapsulated granules (CG) are still not banned. This 3% microencapsulated formulation of carbofuran is the only formulation registered in India and the Pesticide Action Network has urged the Central Insecticides Board (CIBRC) to clarify the matter.
The Pesticide Action Network points out that monocrotophos has been linked to many cases of pesticide poisoning in India. In May 2020, the Indian government banned the use of 27 harmful pesticides considered to be a threat to public health and safety. These pesticides are part of the controversial 66 pesticides that have come under toxicity review over the years. Including 12 kinds of insecticides, 8 kinds of fungicides and 7 kinds of herbicides, a total of nearly 130 kinds of preparations. In February 2023, the government reconsidered the original ban, retaining restrictions on only three pesticides, and civil society groups challenged the revised order in the Supreme Court.
