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Environmental Sciences and Ecology: Current Research
[ ISSN : 2833-0811 ]


Use of chemical pesticides in Nepal - The prospects for organic agriculture

Review Article
Volume 1 - Issue 1


Yubak Dhoj GC*

Published : August 17, 2020

Abstract

With an aim to explore the possible phasing out of the chemical pesticides from the usages of agricultural purpose in Nepal, a desk review was carried out gleaning through the available literatures. The major studies covers the status and usages of chemical pesticides whether it has been an alarming state or it can be used as a least options along with other ecological pest control means. At the same time, the study also tried to accumulate the information on the existing policies on pesticides imports and registration along with the existing pest control measures with the use of chemical pesticides so as to determine judicious or injudicious usages. At the same time the insight was made on the alternative control measures using botanicals and bio pesticides as an alternative to chemical pesticides. Some of the initiatives towards the organic production were also reviewed. The study revealed that, Nepal is not a country using high amount of chemical pesticides while producing agricultural crops. It is very interesting to note that, there are no any chemical pesticide manufacturing industry existing in the country as there are only four pesticides. Formulations Company import active ingredients mainly from India. It has robust chemical pesticides registration system through its own established system. Very interestingly the national average of chemical pesticide is found as low as 396 a.i./ha which is very insignificant compared to other country. This further indicates that, the soil and environment of the country has not deteriorated yet and still large area of the country do not rely on chemical pesticides. However the use of chemical pesticide is the foremost choices to the farmers in some commercial crops and pockets. The judicious use of chemical pesticides considering the health of the farmers, users and environment are at the often considered indicating ample awareness on the safe use of chemical pesticides. Production and usages of botanicals and bio pesticides are in place. Some dozens of such compounds are being registered and in use. The study also explored the possibilities of using agricultural commodities without using chemical pesticides. It was found that, one of the provinces among seven in the country, the Karnali Province declared the organic state. Based on the geophysical situation of the country, the use of chemical pesticides has been limited to only in some commercial pockets less than 25% of the country, which is mostly at the flat area leaving mid-hills and high hills. In such area, agricultural produces in Nepal is by default organic in nature since time immortal as there is less access of chemical pesticides coupled with low infestation of insect pests and diseases. There is ample scopes of producing crops, vegetables, fruits and several niche products. For this enhanced coordination along of the governmental and non-governmental agencies is must. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has been involving in capacity building of the national system, which would be crucial to work in this endeavour as a hand in hand initiatives in the Organic State, Karnali province in Nepal.