Why Is Glyphosate Still Being Sold in India Despite WHO Cancer Concerns? Risks to Farmers Under Scrutiny

A chemical widely used in modern agriculture for decades is once again under intense scrutiny in India. Glyphosate, one of the world’s most controversial herbicides, has sparked concerns over its potential health risks, environmental damage, and continued sale despite warnings from global health agencies.

The debate around glyphosate intensified after the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified it in 2015 as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Since then, the herbicide has remained at the center of global legal disputes and scientific disagreements, with critics raising concerns about cancer risks, particularly among agricultural workers exposed to the chemical.

Despite these concerns, glyphosate continues to be available in India, where its use has expanded beyond officially approved areas. Under Indian regulations, glyphosate is legally permitted only for tea plantations and non-crop areas. However, reports suggest that farmers increasingly use it in food crops, paddy fields, vegetable cultivation, and herbicide-tolerant cotton farming, often without protective gear.

Health experts and environmental groups warn that prolonged exposure to glyphosate may pose risks to farmers who spray the chemical without masks, gloves, or protective clothing. Concerns have also been raised about contamination of soil, groundwater, and aquatic ecosystems due to excessive use.

Globally, several countries, including Vietnam, Austria, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and some Gulf nations, have imposed bans or strict restrictions on glyphosate use. At the same time, major regulatory authorities such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintain that glyphosate is safe if used according to label instructions.

The controversy deepened after thousands of lawsuits were filed against agrochemical giant Monsanto, the original maker of glyphosate-based weedkiller Roundup. Following Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto in 2018, the German pharmaceutical company inherited the legal burden and has reportedly paid billions of dollars in settlements related to cancer claims involving Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

In India, the government attempted to tighten controls through the “Restriction on Use of Glyphosate Order, 2022,” which proposed that only licensed Pest Control Operators (PCOs) could spray the herbicide. The aim was to ensure safe handling of the chemical and reduce direct exposure among farmers.

However, agrochemical companies challenged the order in court, arguing that India lacked adequate PCO infrastructure and that restricting farmer access could negatively impact crop production. In November 2022, the Delhi High Court temporarily stayed the order, and subsequent hearings led to a pause in implementation while the matter remains under review.

Critics argue that the delay in enforcing stricter regulations has left millions of farmers vulnerable, especially in rural areas where awareness about chemical safety remains low. They also question why stronger farmer safety mechanisms, including protective equipment and training, have not been widely implemented.

While the scientific community remains divided over glyphosate’s long-term health effects, the debate highlights a larger question for India’s agricultural system — balancing productivity with public health and environmental safety.

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