3 weeks ago
India weighs restricting Carbosulfan insecticide after Paraquat ban proposal
Farmers in India use a bug-killing chemical called Carbosulfan to protect crops like rice, cotton, and vegetables.
The Indian government is now thinking about limiting how the chemical can be used.
A decision is expected by the end of August.
This happens just after the government proposed banning another farm chemical, Paraquat, because it is very poisonous to people and animals.
Carbosulfan is sold in India by a company called FMC India under the brand name Marshal.
The company says the insecticide works well against many different pests.
Government experts call Carbosulfan 'highly toxic' and have recommended restrictions.
Food safety is a big reason for the worry: Europe allows only a very tiny amount of the chemical on imported food, and India's own food regulator has set different safe limits for rice, chilli, and dried chilli.
These checks are meant to keep the food we eat safe while farmers still protect their crops.
The government's final decision will affect what farmers can use in the future.
India is considering restricting Carbosulfan, an insecticide used on paddy, cotton, and horticulture crops, with a final decision expected by the end of this month.
The move follows the government's July 14 draft order proposing a blanket ban on the herbicide Paraquat, citing severe toxicity to humans and animals.
The Agriculture Ministry, which categorises Carbosulfan as 'highly toxic', acted on a recommendation from the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC).
FMC India sells Carbosulfan under the 'Marshal' brand; FMC Corporation agreed in May to sell its India commercial business to Crystal Crop Protection for $252 million.
Experts say Carbosulfan is an issue for EU exports due to the EU's maximum residue level of 0.01 mg/kg, while FSSAI has set MRLs of 0.2 in rice, 2 in chilli and 20 in dried chilli.
- Who
- India's Agriculture Ministry, the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC), and insecticide makers such as FMC India.
- What
- The government is considering restricting the use of Carbosulfan insecticide, weeks after proposing a ban on the herbicide Paraquat.
- Where
- India.
- When
- A final decision on Carbosulfan is expected by the end of August 2026; the Paraquat draft ban order was issued July 14, 2026, with feedback due by August 12.
- Why
- To improve food safety and promote healthier agricultural practices, citing Paraquat's severe toxicity and concerns over Carbosulfan's regulation under the Rotterdam Convention and EU export standards.
Regulatory and expert concerns
Industry and company perspective
Toxicity assessment
Regulatory and expert concerns
The Agriculture Ministry categorises Carbosulfan as 'highly toxic' and is considering restrictions to improve food safety.
Industry and company perspective
Industry sources say there is not much concern about Carbosulfan regarding toxicity or health risks, unlike Paraquat.
Trade and market impact
Regulatory and expert concerns
Experts say Carbosulfan (Marshal) is an issue for exports to the EU, where the maximum residue level is 0.01 mg/kg.
Industry and company perspective
FMC India promotes Marshal as a trusted brand giving broad-spectrum control of pests and a good rotational partner against pest resistance.
Key facts
- Insecticide under review
- Carbosulfan (sold by FMC India as 'Marshal', 25% Emulsifiable Concentrate)
- Crops targeted
- Paddy, cotton and horticulture crops
- Carbosulfan classification
- 'Highly toxic' (Agriculture Ministry)
- Paraquat draft ban issued
- July 14, 2026
- Paraquat feedback deadline
- August 12, 2026
- Expected decision date
- End of August 2026
- FMC-Crystal deal
- $252 million deal announced in May
- EU maximum residue level
- 0.01 mg/kg for Carbosulfan
- FSSAI MRLs
- 0.2 (rice), 2 (chilli), 20 (dried chilli)
Quotes
FMC India
Company that manufactures and sells the Carbosulfan-based 'Marshal' insecticide
“Marshal insecticide, a trusted brand among farmers from decades and is known for its broad spectrum control on various chewing and sucking pests in Cotton, Paddy and Vegetables. A different mode of action makes Marshal insecticide a good rotational partner especially in vegetable spray programs and manages issues around pest resistance”
thehindubusinessline.com
“RC decided to communicate its recommendations separately to the Government of India for its consideration and taking a final appropriate view in the matter. The final decision taken by the Government of India shall be implemented by the RC accordingly”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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