Chemical properties and toxicological profile
- Carbamate chemical class: Reversible inhibitor of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme, disrupting neurotransmission in insects and mammals.
- Red Triangle classification: Classified under the highest toxicity category (Extremely Toxic) in India due to very low oral and dermal LD50 values.
- Systemic root uptake: Absorbed through plant roots and translocated to foliar tissues to kill soil pests, root grubs, and early foliage feeders.
- Groundwater risk: High soil mobility and persistence make it prone to leaching into shallow drinking water wells in sandy soils.
CIBRC regulatory restrictions and safety warnings
The Ministry of Agriculture and CIBRC have imposed stringent bans and phased restrictions on carbofuran formulations to protect human health and wildlife. Farmers are strongly cautioned against using unapproved formulations or broadcasting granules near water bodies, ponds, or domestic poultry areas.
Modern safer agricultural alternatives
- Soil insect management: Safer modern active ingredients include Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR, Fipronil 0.3% GR, and Cartap hydrochloride 4% GR.
- Biological nematode control: Purpureocillium lilacinum (formerly Paecilomyces), Trichoderma viride, and neem cake application.
- Chemical nematicides: Targeted modern chemistries like Fluopyram (Velum Prime) deliver high nematicidal efficacy with superior environmental safety.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What toxicity label does Carbofuran carry in India?
Carbofuran carries the Red Triangle label, indicating it belongs to the 'Extremely Toxic' hazard classification.
Why has the use of Carbofuran been restricted in Indian agriculture?
Due to severe acute toxicity to humans, farm animals, and birds, and its tendency to contaminate shallow rural groundwater sources.
What is a recommended safer granular alternative for controlling soil white grubs?
Fipronil 0.3% GR or Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR applied as per label recommendations.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Crop Protection & Pesticides guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.