PRASHANT KHADKA

KATHMANDU: The import of pesticides used in agriculture has been increasing for the last few years. According to stakeholders, climate change has led to the emergence of new diseases and insects in farmlands, necessitating greater use of pesticides to control them. The 61st annual report of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) indicates a significant rise in pesticide imports over the past five years.

The report highlights that 809 metric tons of pesticides worth Rs 956.1 million were imported in the fiscal year (FY) 2075/76. By FY 2079/80, this increased to 1,183 metric tons valued at Rs 1.69 billion. Manoj Pokharel, a senior officer at the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center, noted, "Until a few years ago, crops were produced without pesticides. The main reason for the increase is the appearance of new diseases and insects in crops due to climate change."

Pokharel explained that about 8-10 years ago, maize crops were not affected by pests. However, now pesticides are required due to armyworm attacks. He added, "There are many crops that can be eradicates if pesticides are not used. The rise in commercial farming has also led to increased pesticide use."

The OAG report also mentions that the increasing use of pesticides adversely affects humans, animals, and the environment. Therefore, it recommends proper management of pesticide import, use, and storage. It suggests enhancing plant clinic programs, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technology, setting maximum residue limits for pesticides in various crops, and conducting rapid pesticide analysis at various checkpoints.

Chhotelal Prasad Thakur, president of the Pesticide Association of Nepal, stated that the climate change has increased the prevalence of pest species, thus increasing pesticide usage. He also noted that the trend of growing unseasonal fruits and vegetables has led to higher pesticide use to protect these crops from diseases.

The report details that the number of pesticide registrations increased by 86.83 percent from 2075/76 to 2079/80. Section 3 of the Pesticide Management Act, 2076 mandates that pesticides must be registered, and Section 18 allows only registered pesticides to be imported and used. The Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center has registered 168 pesticides based on common names and 5,807 based on trade names, including fungicides, bactericides, insecticides, rodenticides, and biological pesticides.

Pokharel emphasized that despite the known adverse effects of pesticides, their import and use continue to rise. However, he believes their use is essential to prevent crop destruction. "We cannot completely eliminate pesticide use, but we can find alternatives. The use of biological pesticides, proper regulation, and reducing misuse can help decrease pesticide usage to some extent," he said.