India has banned the use of chlorpyrifos, carbendazim, thiamethoxam, and 9 other active substances for processing basmati rice

In a decisive move aimed at protecting the international reputation and quality of valuable Basmati rice from Punjab, the state government has officially announced a 60-day ban on the sale, distribution, and use of eleven specific pesticides for application on Basmati crops. The ban will take effect from August 1, 2025, giving farmers and agricultural resource traders time to adapt to the new directive, reports the Indian agro-portal Krishak Jagat. The Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare in the state's official statement emphasized that the decision was made to ensure that Basmati rice from Punjab remains free of harmful pesticide residues that could otherwise jeopardize its global demand and compliance with international standards. The statement expresses concerns that these pesticides, if continued to be used in Basmati rice crops, pose a risk of exceeding maximum residue limits established by competent authorities. According to the state government, several Basmati ...