Resham B. Thapa
Department of Entomology,Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

DOI

ABSTRACT

Nepal consumes very low quantity of pesticides (average 142 g/ha) compared to other South Asian countries (750 to 5700 g/ha), but their use in commercial farming and freshly marketable commodities appears excessively uncontrolled and without the consideration of the health of consumers. This paper documents the various problems created by the misuse and the overuse of pesticides especially in horticultural crops in Nepal. Pesticide residues have been detected in rice, wheat and pulse gfrains in godowns and in milk as well. DDT was commonly used in Terai region while BHC in the Hills and Mountains. Out of 163 vegetable samples, 83% were contaminated of which 76% samples contained DDT residue above tolerance limits. Organophohate residues were also detected in 35% of the vegetables. Moreover, direct use of pesticides just before harvesting fresh vegetables and fruits have further intensified the problem. Pesticide problems have been reported in many other non-target organisms such as natural river fishes, wildlife, predators and parasites. Recommendations are made on formulation of necessary guidelines, enforcement of the Pesticide Acts/Regulations, and plant Quarantine, including restriction on use of persistent pesticides, proper monitoring and record keeping, education and awareness, promotion of alternative measures, and introduction of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)