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
