Pesticide poisoning

The Himalayan Times

2 May 2019

Pesticide poisoning

Nepal is a landlocked country and heavily dependent on its agricultural farms. Eighty percent of its population is engaged in agriculture which, however, has not been able to fully feed the people and contribute towards its gross economy. Once an exporter of rice, Nepal is now heavily importing rice from neighboring countries. This is due to increase in population and disappearance of agricultural lands owning to massive unplanned urbanization.

The rapid commercialization of agriculture sector has been the main factor in heavy use of pesticide in the country. And also the dual policy of the government of allowing the import of pesticides on one hand and making attempts to discourage its use on the other has been a major problem for pesticide control. It seems natural for the farmers to increase their yields. However, using over dozes and haphazard use of pesticide for better output have equally harmed and affected theirs and consumer’s health. Also, there have been increasing cases of pesticide related suicides in the country which can be prevented and minimized if the government and its concerned authorities become serious.

Over-use of pesticides and harmful chemicals in fruits and vegetables has posed serious risk to health in Dhankuta “Pesticide use blamed for rising number of cancer patients” (THT, April 30, Page 6). Twelve persons were diagnosed with cancer at a five day free heath camp organized by Nepal Cancer Relief Society in the district recently. Dr. Prabhu Shah who was treating the visiting persons has opined that the increasing number of cancer patients could be the excessive use of pesticides in farm products. It can be easily imagined about this situation elsewhere in the country. This shows that organizing and celebrating “No Pesticide Use Week” once a year makes no sense unless the government and concerned authorities put massive efforts in raising awareness among the farmers about its harmful effects.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj

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Who is he?

Biren P. Bangdel (also known as Rai Biren Bangdel ) is a development management consultant, project analyst, and citizen journalist based in Kathmandu, Nepal . Professional Profile & Background: Project Executive : He has served as an Executive Director and consultant for organizations like Om Ganeshaya Namah Pvt. Ltd. and Merryknoll Nepal (Asha Deep). He also served as a Campus Director in Weigan and Leigh College .He was Deputy Project Manager in Nepal-Swiss funded Rural Health Development Project and Deputy Team Leader in Nepal-CIDA funded Rural Development Project. Project Expertise : He specializes in managing and monitoring multi-million rupee rural development, healthcare, and educational administration projects across Nepal. His core career history spans executive roles within international non-governmental organizations, bilateral foreign aid bilateral projects , and private management enterprises. Media & Commentary : He is an active blogger, online commen...

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