Carbosulfan Ban in India: Toxicity, Health Risks & Pesticide Regulation

27 Aug 2026

Subject: GS 03: Environment

Context: Recently, the Agriculture Ministry has proposed a complete ban on Carbosulfan, a widely used pesticide, citing concerns over its toxicity to humans, non-target organisms and the environment.

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About Carbosulfan

Carbosulfan is a broad-spectrum carbamate pesticide with insecticidal, acaricidal and nematicidal properties.
Major Uses: It is used for pest control in paddy, cotton and horticultural crops.
Mode of Action: It inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), causing acetylcholine accumulation and disrupting normal nerve functioning.
- AChE is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, thereby terminating nerve signals and ensuring normal nerve and muscle function.
Systemic & Contact Action: It has both systemic and contact activity, allowing it to act against different types of crop pests.
Transformation Product: Carbosulfan can break down into carbofuran, a highly toxic compound and a major concern associated with its use.

Why is Carbosulfan Proposed to be Banned?

Human Health: Potential neurotoxic effects, especially for pesticide handlers.
Toxic Metabolite: Breaks down into carbofuran, a highly toxic compound.
Non-target Species: Risks to birds, pollinators and beneficial organisms.
Aquatic Risks: Toxic to fish and aquatic organisms through runoff.
Environmental Impact: Potential soil and water contamination.

Regulatory Background

Legal Framework: The Insecticides Act, 1968 provides the principal framework for the registration and regulation of insecticides in India.
Expert Review: Expert committee constituted in January 2026 to assess its continued use.
Committee Report: Report submitted in June 2026.
Registration Committee: Under Section 5 of the Insecticides Act, it recommended a ban.
Proposed Ban: Covers import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and use.
Status: Draft proposal; ban will apply after the final order is notified.