India Opposes Global Ban on Chlorpyrifos

India’s recent opposition to the global phase-out of Chlorpyrifos, a hazardous insecticide, has sparked environmental and policy discussions at the global level. The issue arose during the 2025 meetings of the BRS Conventions where many countries advocated for banning the pesticide under the Stockholm Convention. Despite strong scientific evidence about its harmful effects on human health and the environment, India cited food security and lack of alternatives as major concerns, urging for broader exemptions.

Why in the News?

India has opposed the listing of the insecticide Chlorpyrifos under Annex A of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) during the ongoing Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions meeting held in Geneva from April 28 to May 9, 2025.

Aim of the Stockholm Convention

• To eliminate or restrict the production and use of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) that pose significant risks to health and the environment.

About Chlorpyrifos

• An organophosphate pesticide registered in India since 1977 under the Insecticides Act.
• Used on crops like rice, cotton, sugarcane, groundnut, mustard, brinjal, cabbage, onion, among others.
• Linked to neurological damage, reduced birth size, and cancer risks.
• WHO classifies it as moderately hazardous.

India’s Stand at the Convention

• India opposed its inclusion in Annex A (elimination) of the Stockholm Convention.
• Argued that a ban could impact food security due to lack of viable alternatives.
• Approved use on at least 8 crops, with broader application in agriculture and public health.

Global Support for Ban

• EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Uruguay, Iraq, Guyana, and others supported the phase-out.
• Some nations like Kenya and Cameroon sought limited exemptions for specific applications.

Scientific Committee’s Review

• POPs Review Committee (POPRC) in 2024 recommended listing Chlorpyrifos in Annex A due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and long-range environmental transport.

Health and Environmental Hazards

• Inhibits enzyme acetylcholinesterase, affecting the nervous system.
• Exposure can occur via inhalation, skin contact, or residue on food.
• Most detected pesticide in a 2024 food contamination study in India (33% detection frequency).

Background

• Over 40 countries have banned chlorpyrifos.
• In 2010, India similarly opposed banning endosulfan.
• India and China are now the largest producers of Chlorpyrifos.

Key Static Facts

• Stockholm Convention: Adopted in 2001, effective from 2004.

Chemicals listed under

• Annex A: Elimination
• Annex B: Restriction
• Annex C: Unintentional production minimization
• Other chemicals discussed in 2025: Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins, long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs).