Complete list of pesticides banned in India: Latest government update 2024

India has taken significant steps in controlling the use of harmful pesticides by banning, restricting, and refusing the registration of several pesticides over time. These decisions are primarily motivated by health, safety, and environmental concerns, ensuring the well-being of both the population and the ecosystem. The government continues to monitor and regulate pesticide use rigorously, ensuring safer and more sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

Here is a comprehensive list and explanation of pesticides banned, refused registration, and restricted for use in India, based on the latest report from the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare as of March 31, 2024.

Pesticides Banned for Manufacture, Import, and Use:

These pesticides have been entirely prohibited for both manufacture and use within India, reflecting concerns about environmental impact and health risks.

1. Alachlor

2. Aldicarb

3. Aldrin

4. Benzene Hexachloride

5. Benomyl

6. Calcium Cyanide

7. Carbaryl

8. Chlorbenzilate

9. Chlordane

10. Chlorofenvinphos

11. Copper Acetoarsenite

12. Diazinon

13. Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)

14. Dichlorvos

15. Dicofol

16. Dieldrin

17. Dinocap

18. Endosulfan (subject to court order)

19. Endrin

20. Ethyl Mercury Chloride

21. Ethyl Parathion

22. Ethylene Dibromide (EDB)

23. Fenarimol

24. Fenthion

25. Heptachlor

26. Lindane (Gamma-HCH)

27. Linuron

28. Maleic Hydrazide

29. Menazon

30. Methomyl

31. Methoxy Ethyl Mercury Chloride

32. Methyl Parathion

33. Metoxuron

34. Nitrofen

35. Paraquat Dimethyl Sulphate

36. Pentachloro Nitrobenzene (PCNB)

37. Pentachlorophenol

38. Phenyl Mercury Acetate

39. Phorate

40. Phosphamidon

41. Sodium Cyanide (banned for insecticidal purposes)

42. Sodium Methane Arsonate

43. Tetradifon

44. Thiometon

45. Toxaphene (Camphechlor)

46. Triazophos

47. Tridemorph

48. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

49. Trichlorfon

Pesticides Banned for Use but Continued Manufacture for Export:

These formulations are banned for domestic use but are still manufactured for export purposes, catering to international markets while ensuring these chemicals are not used within India.

1. Captafol 80% Powder

2. Dichlorvos

3. Nicotin Sulfate

4. Phorate

5. Triazophos

Pesticides Withdrawn (Pending Data):

These pesticides have been withdrawn, but the ban could become inactive if sufficient safety data is provided by the industry and accepted by the government.

1. Dalapon

2. Ferbam

3. Formothion

4. Nickel Chloride

5. Paradichlorobenzene (PDCB)

6. Simazine

7. Sirmate

8. Warfarin

Pesticides Refused Registration:

These pesticides were refused registration in India due to safety concerns, effectively preventing their legal use in the country.

1. 2,4,5-T

2. Ammonium Sulphamate

3. Azinphos Ethyl

4. Azinphos Methyl

5. Binapacryl

6. Calcium Arsenate

7. Carbophenothion

8. Chinomethionate (Morestan)

9. Dicrotophos

10. EPN

11. Fentin Acetate

12. Fentin Hydroxide

13. Lead Arsenate

14. Leptophos (Phosvel)

15. Mephosfolan

16. Mevinphos (Phosdrin)

17. Thiodemeton / Disulfoton

18. Vamidothion

Pesticides Restricted for Use:

Some pesticides are allowed under specific restrictions to ensure safety in their application and limit harmful environmental or health impacts.

1. Aluminium Phosphide: Pest control operations can only be conducted by government-approved operators.

2. Captafol: Banned as a foliar spray but can be used as a seed dresser.

3. Carbofuran: Restricted to use in certain formulations.

4. Chlorpyriphos: Banned for use in Ber, Citrus, and Tobacco.

5. Cypermethrin: Restricted to use through Pest Control Operators, not for general public use.

6. Dazomet: Not allowed on tea.

7. DDT: Its use is restricted to vector control in public health programs.

8. Dimethoate: Banned for use on fruits and vegetables consumed raw.

9. Fenitrothion: Limited to locust control and public health.

10. Malathion: Banned for use on crops like Sorghum, Pea, Soybean, and others.

11. Mancozeb: Not allowed on crops such as Guava and Jowar.

12. Methyl Bromide: Restricted to government-approved operators.

13. Monocrotophos: Banned for use on vegetables, and its 36% SL formulation is to be phased out.

14. Oxyfluorfen: Banned for use on Potato and Groundnut.

15. Quinalphos: Banned for use on Jute, Cardamom, and Sorghum.

16. Trifluralin: Banned for all uses except in wheat cultivation.