India Bans Four Pesticides, Including Controversial Monocrotophos

India has taken a significant step in pesticide regulation by issuing the Insecticides (Prohibition) Order, 2023, banning four highly hazardous pesticides. These pesticides include Dicofol, Dinocap, Methomyl, and the controversial Monocrotophos. The ban went into effect immediately upon publication on October 6, 2023.

Key Provisions of the Order:

• Dicofol, Dinocap, and Methomyl are banned for sale, distribution, and use without any transitional period.

• Monocrotophos, equally hazardous, is given a one-year transitional period to allow farmers to transition to alternative pest control solutions, preventing sudden losses. However, concerns have been raised regarding the clarity of the language in the Order, particularly regarding Monocrotophos, with calls for a clear ban on its manufacture in all formulations to prevent any misuse beyond the transitional period.

The details of the decision regarding these pesticides are outlined in the table below.

In a parallel move, India has restricted the approved use of label claims for seven other insecticides on specific crops. This means these insecticides are banned for use on the crops initially registered. Manufacturers and marketers must update their labels to reflect these restrictions.

Monocrotophos - A Controversial Pesticide:Monocrotophos, categorized as highly hazardous by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), has been implicated in numerous pesticide poisoning incidents in India, including the well-known Yavatmal pesticide poisoning incident in 2017 and a school lunch pesticide poisoning case in 2013. It has also been misused for suicides. Pesticide manufacturers and marketers must update their labels to reflect the crops on which these insecticides can be used.

The details are outlined in the table below.

Despite being banned for use on vegetables in 2005, its enforcement was limited. Over the years, India allowed Monocrotophos use on various crops due to its cost-effectiveness and pest control efficacy. However, in 2023, India has finally banned its use, albeit with a one-year transition period.

India's Pesticide Regulation Efforts:In 2013, India formed an Expert Committee to review 66 insecticides, some of which were banned or restricted in other countries but still registered for domestic use in India.

The Ministry of Agriculture in India proposed a draft order in May 2020 to ban 27 pesticides, acknowledging their risks to humans and animals. However, the proposed ban has faced opposition from the agrochemical industry, which relies on these products for domestic and international sales. Future regulatory decisions regarding this draft ban Order will depend on various factors, including its impact on businesses and related concerns.

The 27 pesticides are shown in the table below. The banned four pesticides are marked in red and the restricted seven pesticides are marked in orange.

However, the draft Order has faced challenges from the Indian agrochemical industry, as these products constitute a significant portion of pesticide sales in both domestic and overseas markets. The future regulatory changes regarding the draft ban Order will depend on various factors, including the impact on business and related concerns.

India's ban on these pesticides reflects its commitment to pesticide regulation, human health, and environmental protection, promoting safer and more sustainable agricultural practices in the country.