New Delhi (PTI): The government on Friday said that there are 66 pesticides such as DDT and Endosulfan, which are either banned or severely restricted in other countries, but are permitted for use in India as these have been found to be harmless.

"... use has been permitted only after thorough reviews and satisfying that the particular pesticide does not pose harmful effect under the conditions of use in our country," Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers B K Handique told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

He also informed that the use of these pesticides is banned/restricted in one, two or few countries while their use are permitted in some other countries of the world.

The minister said that there are 12 pesticides restricted for use in India, which includes Endosulfan banned in Kerala and monocrotophos, banned from use on vegetables.

The government has also banned 26 pesticides for manufacture, import and use in India, while allowing manufacture of two nicotin sulfate and captafol 80 per cent powder from export.

"When it comes to the notice of the government that a pesticide is banned in other country, it gets the same reviewed for its continued use or otherwise in our country," he said.