Home Blog Page 44

Sudarshan Chemical Sells Frankfurt Unit to Strengthen Core Pigments Focus

0

Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited sold its step-down subsidiary VP4 Frankfurt GmbH to Celanese Corporation, USA, as part of a strategic move to sharpen its focus on its core pigments and colorants business. VP4 Frankfurt manufactures chemical intermediates, including Diketene, primarily as a tolling operator for Nutrinova, an affiliate of Celanese Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Japan. Sudarshan acquired the Frankfurt-based business as part of its acquisition of the Heubach Group. The divestment enables Sudarshan to streamline its portfolio and strengthen its operational and strategic focus on pigments and colorants.

VP4 Frankfurt Primarily Serves Nutrinova

VP4 Frankfurt has Nutrinova as its principal customer, while only a limited portion of its production is supplied to Sudarshan for captive consumption. Diketene is an important intermediate used in the production of functional food ingredients. As a result, the business has a stronger strategic fit with Celanese and Nutrinova, which manufactures food-industry additives, including sweeteners. Therefore, the transaction places VP4 Frankfurt under the ownership of a company more closely aligned with its primary customer base and end-use markets.

Continued Supply Arrangement with Sudarshan

Following completion of the transaction, Nutrinova will continue supplying Sudarshan with the materials required for its operations. The arrangement is expected to provide continuity of supply while allowing Sudarshan to concentrate its resources and capabilities on its core pigments and colorants portfolio.

Sudarshan Sharpens Focus on Pigments and Colorants

Rajesh Rathi, Chairman and Managing Director, Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, said, “The sale of VP4 Frankfurt is a strategic step in sharpening our focus. Pigments and colorants are where we create the most value for our customers. VP4 is a well-run business with a strong team, and it now moves to the company it already serves. That is the right outcome for the asset, for its employees, and for Sudarshan.” The divestment reflects Sudarshan Chemical’s strategy of focusing its portfolio on areas where it can create greater customer value. As per the press release, by transferring VP4 Frankfurt to Celanese, the company can further concentrate on its pigments and colorants business, while maintaining access to the materials needed for its operations.

Government May Offer Incentives to Chemical Exporters to Diversify Beyond US Markets

0

The government may introduce policy support and financial incentives to encourage chemical exporters to diversify their overseas markets and reduce dependence on the US, according to people familiar with the development. The proposed measures would help exporters identify new markets, access international buyers and strengthen India’s position in global chemical value chains. The initiative also aims to build a more resilient export ecosystem by reducing India’s dependence on a limited number of destinations.

Government Eyes Wider Markets for Chemical Exports

The US currently accounts for approximately 18% of India’s chemical exports, highlighting the need to broaden the country’s export base. Consequently, policymakers are considering greater opportunities across Europe, Southeast Asia, West Asia, Africa and Latin America. Expanding exports across these regions could reduce geographical concentration risks while creating new growth opportunities for Indian chemical manufacturers. Moreover, a product-region export strategy could allow India to match specific chemical categories with markets where demand and competitive opportunities are strongest.

Product-Region Strategy Could Drive Export Growth

Under the proposed approach, Indian chemical companies could target different product segments according to regional demand. For example, agrochemicals, water-treatment chemicals and construction chemicals could find opportunities in African markets. Meanwhile, Latin America could offer potential for agrochemicals, specialty chemicals, dyes and pigments. Similarly, ASEAN markets could provide opportunities for surfactants, polymers and industrial intermediates. At the same time, Europe could offer growing demand for specialty, green and pharmaceutical chemicals. Such targeted market expansion could help Indian manufacturers reduce dependence on individual markets while strengthening their global presence.

India Targets $81 Billion in Chemical Exports by 2030

India’s chemical export strategy also aligns with broader national growth targets. NITI Aayog has set an objective of increasing India’s annual chemical exports to approximately $81 billion by 2030. The target includes around $45 billion from specialty chemicals, $26 billion from petrochemicals and $5–10 billion from inorganic chemicals. The broader strategy aims to move India towards a net-zero importer position by FY2030 while expanding the overall chemical industry towards $1 trillion by 2040.

Shift Towards Higher-Value Specialty Chemicals

Market diversification could also accelerate the chemical industry’s transition from relatively lower-value bulk products to higher-value, application-specific chemicals. This shift could enable Indian manufacturers to enter more profitable market segments, improve export realisation and strengthen their competitiveness in global value chains. Dr. Ram Singh, Professor and Head at IIFT, New Delhi, said India needs a targeted product-region export strategy to reduce its dependence on the US. He also emphasised the importance of moving from bulk chemicals towards higher-value, application-specific products to access more profitable segments.

China Remains a Major Import Concentration Risk

While India seeks to diversify its chemical exports, the country also faces significant concentration risks on the import side. China accounted for 41.8% of India’s organic chemical imports, valued at approximately $560 million, out of total imports worth $1.34 billion in April 2026. This represented a substantial increase from 29.4% a year earlier. Therefore, alongside expanding export destinations, India may need to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and diversify critical import sources. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, such measures could help reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities and support a more resilient and globally competitive Indian chemical industry.

ITOCHU Invests in Ammonia Storage Terminal at India’s Port Pipavav

0

ITOCHU Corporation, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has acquired a stake in Aegis Terminal (Pipavav) Ltd. (ATPL) from Aegis Vopak Terminals Ltd. (AVTL), marking its entry into the ammonia storage terminal business at Port Pipavav in Gujarat, India. The investment strengthens ITOCHU’s presence in India’s growing ammonia logistics market. The terminal, described as India’s first independent ammonia storage terminal, completed construction and became operationally ready on August 10, 2026.

36,000-MT Ammonia Storage Terminal

The project features a newly constructed ammonia storage tank with a capacity of approximately 36,000 metric tonnes (MT), equivalent to 52,000 m³. In addition to the storage facility, the terminal integrates essential logistics infrastructure, including cargo-handling systems, pipelines, and truck loading and unloading facilities. Its location at Port Pipavav provides strategic access to India’s western industrial markets and supports efficient ammonia distribution.

Rising Demand for Ammonia in India

Global population growth, increasing food and energy requirements, and the transition towards cleaner energy are driving demand for ammonia. Traditionally, ammonia has served primarily the fertilizer and industrial sectors. However, its role is expanding as industries explore its potential as a clean fuel and hydrogen carrier. Against this backdrop, ITOCHU expects India’s ammonia demand to increase over the medium to long term. The company plans to leverage its established relationships with key customers, including fertilizer and chemical manufacturers, while also exploring opportunities in fuel and clean-energy applications.

ITOCHU Strengthens Ammonia Supply Chain

ITOCHU has already developed terminal businesses with companies within the Aegis Group, particularly in the LPG sector. Building on this experience, the company now aims to expand its presence in India’s ammonia market. The investment will support the development of stronger logistics infrastructure and a more reliable ammonia supply chain as domestic demand continues to grow. ITOCHU will operate the business through a joint business model that combines its global ammonia trading network with the domestic and international terminal-management capabilities of the Aegis and Vopak Groups.

Supporting India’s Clean Energy Transition

Ammonia is increasingly gaining attention beyond its established fertilizer applications. As industries pursue decarbonisation, ammonia can potentially serve as a hydrogen carrier and low-carbon fuel, creating new opportunities across energy, shipping and industrial applications. Therefore, the new terminal could play an important role in supporting India’s evolving ammonia ecosystem by providing dedicated storage and logistics infrastructure for both traditional and emerging applications.

Expanding Downstream Business Opportunities

ITOCHU’s investment aligns with its management policy, “The Brand-new Deal: Profit opportunities are shifting downstream.” Through this strategy, the company aims to expand its business domains by responding to changing market requirements and developing businesses closer to end users. As per the press release, with its ammonia trading capabilities, terminal infrastructure and partnerships with established logistics operators, ITOCHU aims to strengthen its position in India’s rapidly developing ammonia market while contributing to a more resilient and sustainable energy and industrial supply chain.

Utkram Chemicals Planning Major Manufacturing Expansion in Assam and West Bengal

0

Utkram Chemicals Private Limited, led by Kunal Shaw and Kishan Shaw, is planning a multi-phase industrial investment programme across Assam and West Bengal. Through the proposed expansion, the company aims to establish an integrated platform spanning fertilizers, chemicals, petrochemicals and advanced bitumen manufacturing. The planned projects are designed to combine advanced process technologies, diversified feedstock sources and modern manufacturing infrastructure. At the same time, the company aims to support import substitution, technology localisation, employment generation and regional industrial development.

Exploring Technology Partnership for Fertilizer Production

Utkram Chemicals is in discussions with a leading Russian fertilizer manufacturing and technology company to establish a potential Technology Transfer and Technical Cooperation arrangement. The proposed collaboration could provide access to advanced fertilizer production technologies, process engineering expertise, plant configuration and automation solutions. In addition, the partnership may cover energy optimisation, commissioning support and technical know-how transfer to India. To strengthen its feedstock strategy, Utkram Chemicals is also exploring naphtha supplies from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). The company is also evaluating sourcing opportunities with Malaysian refineries to establish diversified domestic and international feedstock channels.

Proposed Chemical and Specialty Hydrocarbon Platform

Alongside fertilizer production, Utkram Chemicals is evaluating a chemical manufacturing platform focused on industrial solvents, solvent-grade hydrocarbon fractions, hexane and heptane-range products, specialty hydrocarbon intermediates and other value-added derivatives. The proposed facility could employ advanced separation, fractionation, distillation and purification technologies to convert feedstocks into higher-value chemical products. This approach would enable the company to target multiple downstream applications while improving feedstock utilisation and product diversification.

Exploring Methanol-to-Olefins Technology

Utkram Chemicals is also evaluating Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) technology for the potential production of ethylene and propylene. These petrochemical building blocks are widely used to manufacture products such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol. The proposed manufacturing infrastructure is expected to incorporate advanced process technologies, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), process instrumentation, feedstock purification, catalytic processing and heat integration. Furthermore, the company plans to consider modern emissions-control and effluent-management systems to support efficient and responsible plant operations.

60,000-MT Annual Bitumen Manufacturing Programme

Utkram Chemicals has also entered the bitumen and advanced road-materials segment. Its proposed manufacturing facility is currently under development, with a targeted production capacity of approximately 60,000 MT per year.  The planned product portfolio includes Paving Grade Bitumen, Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB), Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB), Bitumen Emulsion and other performance-engineered road binders. These materials could serve infrastructure projects involving highways, expressways, bridges, airports and other strategic infrastructure.

Strategic Partnerships for Bitumen and Feedstock

To strengthen its bitumen manufacturing strategy, Utkram Chemicals is exploring potential cooperation with Malaysian refinery interests and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The discussions could cover various areas, including joint ventures, feedstock supply, technology and manufacturing arrangements. At the same time, the company has engaged with India’s highway and strategic infrastructure ecosystem, including NHAI, MoRTH, NHIDCL and BRO, as it develops its road-material manufacturing strategy.

Focus on Import Substitution and Technology Localisation

The proposed expansion aims to establish an integrated fertilizer, petrochemical, specialty chemical and bitumen manufacturing enterprise at significant industrial scale. The initiative could support India’s Make in India objectives by promoting domestic manufacturing, import substitution and technology localisation. In addition, the projects are expected to contribute to employment generation and industrial development in the eastern region.  As reported by business-standard.com, the proposed projects and partnerships remain subject to feasibility assessments, definitive agreements, financing arrangements, statutory clearances and regulatory approvals.

Topsoe Bags E-Methanol Technology Contract from Uniper in Sweden

0

Topsoe, a global provider of technologies and solutions for the energy transition, signed a contract with international energy company Uniper to deliver the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for its NorthStarH2 e-methanol project in Östersund, northern Sweden. The project will use Topsoe’s ModuLite™ e-methanol technology, including gas compression. With its prefabricated modular design, the technology can accelerate plant construction and commissioning while enabling faster deployment. In addition, its dynamic synthesis loop supports reliable operation despite fluctuations in renewable power supply.

NorthStarH2 to Produce 115,000 Tonnes of E-Methanol Annually

Once operational, the NorthStarH2 facility is expected to produce approximately 115,000 tons of e-methanol per year. The project will support the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries, particularly shipping and chemicals, by providing a lower-carbon alternative to conventional fuels and feedstocks. Uniper expects to reach the Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2028.

Topsoe Technology Supports Renewable E-Methanol Production

Topsoe’s ModuLite™ technology is designed to integrate efficiently with renewable energy systems. Its modular configuration can simplify deployment, while the dynamic synthesis loop allows the e-methanol production process to respond to changes in renewable electricity availability. Yassir Ghiyati, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, said the Nordic region is emerging as one of Europe’s most ambitious markets for clean fuels. He highlighted NorthStarH2 as an important project for accelerating decarbonization in critical sectors such as shipping and chemicals.

Renewable Hydrogen and Biogenic CO₂ at the Core of NorthStarH2

The NorthStarH2 project will produce e-methanol by combining renewable hydrogen with biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) captured from biomass combustion. Consequently, the process aims to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping and chemical industries while supporting the transition toward cleaner fuels and raw materials. The project benefits from established infrastructure and access to road and rail networks. These connections will enable the transportation of e-methanol across Sweden and into wider European markets for applications in transportation and the chemical industry.

Uniper Advances Plant Design with Key Suppliers

With Topsoe and other key suppliers now contracted, Uniper can move forward with detailed plant development during the FEED phase. According to Broghan Helgeson, NorthStarH2 Project Manager at Uniper, the agreements will help define how the facility will be designed and constructed. As per the press release, the collaboration marks another step toward developing a large-scale e-methanol production facility in Sweden and strengthening the Nordic region’s role in Europe’s clean-fuels transition.

LANXESS Launches Advanced Low-TPP Flame Retardant Platform

0

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS launched Disflamoll® Advance, a next-generation platform of plasticizing flame retardants featuring an extremely low triphenyl phosphate (TPP) content of less than 0.1 percent. Designed for diverse applications, the platform aims to help manufacturers navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment and evolving compliance requirements while maintaining the performance standards expected by customers.

In addition to its extremely low TPP content, Disflamoll® Advance delivers high flame retardancy and strong smoke suppression. Its properties can also help reduce or eliminate the use of antimony trioxide (ATO) in formulations while improving processing efficiency.

“Disflamoll® Advance helps customers stay ahead of regulatory developments while continuing to achieve outstanding product performance,” said Heiko Tebbe, Head of Application Development for Polymer Additives at LANXESS. “The platform brings together regulatory preparedness, technical performance and sustainability in a flexible portfolio designed to help customers address both current and future market requirements.”

Plasticizing Flame Retardant for Polar Polymer Systems

The first product launched under the new platform is Disflamoll® Advance OT, which is specifically designed for use in polar polymer systems. Key applications include flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for flooring, tarpaulins and synthetic leather, as well as insulation foams, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), synthetic rubbers and cellulose esters.

Developed to address evolving market, regulatory and sustainability requirements, Disflamoll® Advance OT combines extremely low TPP content with the flame-retardant, plasticizing and smoke-suppressing properties associated with the Disflamoll brand.

Furthermore, the product can offer a carbon footprint reduction of up to 40 percent compared with conventional alternatives, supported by the use of renewable energy and raw materials. As per the press release, Disflamoll® Advance OT is now available, with additional solutions planned as the platform expands to address changing customer, market and regulatory requirements.

ONGC Eyeing Deepwater Drillship and JV for Offshore Exploration

0

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is exploring the acquisition of deepwater drillships or the formation of a joint venture (JV) to secure dedicated drilling capacity. The move comes as the company steps up offshore exploration under its Mission Samudra Manthan programme to discover new oil and gas reserves. ONGC has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to appoint a specialist global offshore rig-broking consultant. The consultant will help identify potential drillship owners and counterparties, evaluate assets and valuations, and support negotiations for a possible ownership or JV arrangement. Through the initiative, ONGC aims to establish dedicated, priority-access deepwater drilling capacity for its offshore exploration programme.

ONGC Seeks Greater Control Over Deepwater Drilling

According to the EOI, ONGC is pursuing a structured capacity-creation programme to secure dedicated deepwater drillship capacity for Mission Samudra Manthan. The company is therefore evaluating both drillship ownership and joint-venture models. By securing dedicated assets, ONGC aims to reduce its dependence on third-party rig availability and improve its ability to schedule deepwater exploration campaigns. However, the EOI does not specify the number, type or acquisition cost of drillships that ONGC may ultimately pursue.

Samudra Manthan Targets India’s Offshore Resources

The initiative follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of Samudra Manthan, the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore through 2030-31. The central-sector scheme seeks to accelerate exploration of India’s offshore oil and gas resources, particularly in deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas. At the same time, the programme aims to increase domestic hydrocarbon production and reduce India’s dependence on imports. Under the scheme, the government will provide financial support of up to 50% of the cost of deepwater exploration wells, subject to a maximum of ₹675 crore per well.

India Depends on Foreign Deepwater Drillships

India currently lacks the manufacturing capability to build deepwater drillships, leaving oil and gas explorers dependent largely on foreign-owned rigs. Companies typically secure these specialised drilling units through time-charter arrangements. However, limited rig availability and global competition for deepwater assets can affect drilling schedules and project economics. ONGC’s proposed ownership or JV strategy could therefore provide greater control over drilling capacity and improve operational flexibility for long-term offshore exploration programmes.

Deepwater Capacity Becomes Strategic Priority

ONGC’s initiative highlights the growing importance of deepwater exploration in India’s efforts to strengthen domestic oil and gas production. By exploring drillship ownership or a strategic JV, ONGC could gain greater control over specialised drilling capacity and reduce its exposure to fluctuations in the international rig market. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the initiative, therefore, represents a significant step in aligning ONGC’s drilling capabilities with the government’s broader offshore exploration, energy security and import-reduction objectives under Mission Samudra Manthan.

Renewables Deliver Record One-Fifth of India’s Power in July

0

India’s renewable energy sector achieved a significant milestone in July 2026, with renewable energy sources (RES) accounting for 19.94% of the country’s cumulative power generation. The figure represents nearly one-fifth of India’s total power generation and marks an all-time monthly high. The milestone assumes greater significance as India’s electricity demand surged sharply during the month. Power demand increased by nearly 11% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to around 171 billion units (BU), marking the highest monthly demand recorded in the country. In comparison, demand grew by only 2.6% in July 2025.

Power Demand Reaches Record High

India’s peak power demand reached 270 GW in July 2026, making it the second-highest peak ever recorded. According to Crisil Intelligence, the figure was approximately 22% higher than the 221 GW peak recorded in July 2025. The sharp increase in demand primarily reflected higher electricity consumption for cooling amid seasonal conditions. Consequently, thermal power plants increased coal consumption to meet the additional demand. However, despite higher coal-based generation, coal’s share in India’s overall power mix declined, highlighting the growing contribution from renewable sources.

Renewable Energy Share Hits Record High

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Coal, renewable energy sources accounted for 19.94% of India’s cumulative power generation mix in July 2026. The RES category includes solar, wind, biomass and other renewable sources. The increase reflects India’s rapidly expanding renewable energy capacity and its growing contribution to the national electricity mix. Crisil Intelligence noted that the energy content of 31 reservoir-based hydropower projects stood at approximately 14 BU as of July 31, significantly below their full-reservoir potential of around 34 BU. In comparison, reservoir energy content stood at approximately 22 BU during the same period last year.

Renewable Capacity Addition Supports Growth

India’s renewable energy generation increased by approximately 10% Y-o-Y in July 2026, supported primarily by continued capacity additions. The country added 13.2 GW of renewable energy capacity, including small hydropower, during Q1 FY27. This expansion is helping India increase renewable generation while meeting rapidly rising electricity demand. Crisil Intelligence reported that India’s total power generation increased by around 10% Y-o-Y to 182 BU in July 2026. Except for gas and hydropower, all major fuel sources recorded year-on-year growth during the month.

India’s Power Demand Continues to Rise

The strong July performance comes amid a broader increase in electricity consumption. During the April–July period of FY27, India’s power demand increased by approximately 9.1% Y-o-Y. This marks a significant turnaround from the same period in the previous financial year, when power demand declined by 0.5%. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, with electricity consumption rising and renewable capacity expanding rapidly, India’s power sector is entering a phase where renewables are playing an increasingly important role in meeting peak demand and diversifying the country’s energy mix.

OIL Green Energy Planning Four Waste-to-Energy Projects in Haryana

0

OIL Green Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oil India Limited (OIL), signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with four municipalities in Haryana to develop integrated Compressed Biogas (CBG) and Waste-to-Energy projects. The initiative will strengthen Haryana’s waste-management infrastructure while converting municipal solid waste into clean energy and valuable resources.

Four Haryana Clusters to Process 5,000 TPD Waste

Oil Green will develop the proposed projects across the Hisar, Ambala, Faridabad and Gurugram clusters. The facilities will have municipal solid waste processing capacities of 500 TPD, 900 TPD, 1,600 TPD and 2,000 TPD, respectively. Together, the four projects will process approximately 5,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day. This large-scale processing capacity will enable the projects to divert significant quantities of waste from landfills while supporting more scientific and sustainable waste management practices.

Projects to Generate CBG and Green Power

The integrated facilities are expected to produce approximately 70–75 tons per day (TPD) of Compressed Biogas and around 50 MW of green power. OGEL will implement an integrated waste-processing model based on scientific segregation and resource recovery. The process will separate waste according to its potential for recycling, biogas production and energy generation. Recyclable materials will be recovered for further processing and reuse.

Supporting Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management

The initiative aims to reduce dependence on landfills and promote efficient resource recovery. At the same time, it will contribute to clean energy generation and strengthen Haryana’s sustainable municipal waste-management infrastructure. By converting organic and non-recyclable waste into energy, the projects will also support the principles of a circular economy, where waste is increasingly treated as a resource rather than simply discarded.

Projects Aligned with GOBARdhan Scheme

The proposed developments align with the Government of India’s GOBARdhan – National Circular Bioenergy Scheme 2026. The scheme promotes the conversion of organic waste into Compressed Biogas and other clean energy sources. Through these projects, OIL Green Energy aims to combine waste management, renewable energy generation and resource recovery within a single integrated model. As reported by projectsmonitor.com, the initiative therefore represents a significant step towards cleaner cities, reduced landfill dependence and greater adoption of waste-to-energy and circular-economy solutions in Haryana.

India Considering Banning Carbosulfan as Global Pesticide Restrictions Tighten

0

India is moving towards prohibiting carbosulfan, bringing the widely used insecticide under renewed regulatory scrutiny. The proposed ban comes as several countries have already restricted the pesticide and international regulations continue to tighten around chemicals with significant toxicity concerns. The move could have important implications for farmers, agrochemical manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Since carbosulfan remains an established crop-protection product in India, the industry may now need to accelerate the shift towards safer and more sustainable pest-management alternatives.

Carbosulfan Faces Growing Regulatory Pressure

Carbosulfan is a well-established carbamate insecticide used to control pests in crops including rice, cotton and vegetables. However, growing concerns over its toxicity have steadily reduced its regulatory acceptance in global markets. The insecticide was added to a United Nations chemicals treaty in 2025, signalling a further shift in international regulatory attitudes towards the molecule. Meanwhile, India has proposed a complete prohibition of carbosulfan, potentially marking a significant change for the domestic crop-protection industry. Consequently, manufacturers and farmers could face increasing pressure to identify suitable alternatives while maintaining effective pest control and crop productivity.

Toxicity Drives Regulatory Concerns

Carbosulfan belongs to the carbamate family of insecticides and has a close chemical relationship with carbofuran, a pesticide that has also faced stringent regulatory action. The molecule was originally developed as a pro-insecticide, which means it can transform into another active compound following application or absorption. While this characteristic was initially considered advantageous from an exposure perspective, it has subsequently attracted greater toxicological scrutiny. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies carbosulfan as a moderately hazardous pesticide. However, its ability to convert into carbofuran, a significantly more hazardous compound, has raised additional concerns about its overall safety profile. Moreover, carbosulfan and its metabolites can inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that plays a critical role in normal nerve signalling. As a result, exposure can pose risks to humans and other vertebrates in addition to its intended effect on insect pests.

Carbosulfan Ban Could Affect Agrochemical Industry

India’s proposed ban could have notable commercial consequences for the domestic agrochemical sector. The Indian carbosulfan market is estimated at around ₹400 crore. Although it represents only a segment of the wider crop-protection market, a complete prohibition could affect manufacturers, distributors, retailers and farmers who currently use the product. In addition, companies may need to address existing inventories, modify distribution strategies and introduce alternative products. At the same time, farmers and agricultural dealers will require clear guidance on effective replacement solutions.

Industry Looks Towards Safer Alternatives

If India proceeds with the proposed prohibition, agrochemical companies are likely to accelerate the development and adoption of alternative insecticides and integrated pest-management solutions. For farmers, the transition could involve changes in pest-control practices, product selection, application methods and input costs. However, the shift could also create opportunities for manufacturers developing safer chemistries, biological crop-protection products and next-generation pest-management technologies.

Regulatory Shift Signals Changing Pesticide Landscape

India’s proposed action on carbosulfan reflects the broader global movement towards stricter pesticide regulations, improved chemical safety and more sustainable agriculture. As reported by etchemicals.in, As regulatory scrutiny increases, the agrochemical industry will need to balance crop-protection requirements with environmental and human-health considerations. The final regulatory decision on carbosulfan will therefore be closely watched by manufacturers, farmers and other stakeholders across India’s crop-protection value chain.

Advertisement

Newsletter

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter & Stay Updated

Advertisement