Status of plant protection activities in Nepal
Yubak Dhoj G. C., PhDPlant Protection Directorate
Department of AgricultureMinistry of Agriculture and Co-operatives
NepalTel: ++ 977 9841 097 986
Capacity building in use of the International Phytosanitary Portal (IPP) and APPPC website for information exchange
4-9 July 2011Sangria-La Hotel
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mount Everest
Country at a glanceNepal: Sovereign, landlocked, mountainous South Asian country
Rich in biodiversity and water resources.
Land area of 147,181 Km.
Located between
North latitude: 26022' to 30027
East longitude: 800 4' to 88012'.
Population : 27.5 million; Population growth rate: 2.25%
80 percent of economically active labor force
65.6 percent of the total population depends on agriculture
Contribution of agriculture to GDP: 32.8% percent
Country : Nepal
Sandwiched between two giant countries of the world: the China (Northern
side) and India (in rest of the side)
Agriculture: Major occupation, GDP contribution (more than 42%)
IPM Programme active since : 1997
Estimated number of farmers trained : 69207 (60% Female)
Estimated number of trainers currently active : 1014 (IPM Programme 907 -
I/NGO 107)
Main Crop involved : Rice, Vegetable, Potato, Tea and Citrus.
Machhapuchre Himal
Annapurna Himal
National Flower
Map of Nepal
Ministry of Agriculture (and Cooperatives)
Department of Agriculture (and Cooperatives)
Plant Protection Directorate (IPPC focal Point)
National Plant Quarantine Program (STDF focal point)
Regional Plant Protectin Labs (5)
Pesticide Registration and Management (POP Focal Point)
Department of Food Technology and Quality
Control (SPS Contact Point)
Ministry of Population and Environment
Basel CA and FP
Phytosanitation Outbreak Management Pest Management Pesticides NPPO
Organisation Chart
Agricultural situation in Nepal
Physical region Area in Km2 % of cultivated area of the country
% of cultivated area of the region
Total Cultivated
Himalayan 51313 1436 4.0 2.8
Hills 61816 9337 26.0 15.0
Terai 33851 25138 76.5 17.0
Total 147181 35912 100.0 24.0
Pesticide use situation 3 pesticide formulators, 50 pesticide dealers, 4000 licensed pesticide
retailer in the country Mainly organophosphate, carbamates, synthetic pyrethroides, fungicides,
herbicides, rodenticides, botanical pesticides, bio- pesticides and pesticide used in public health.
Pesticides not extensively used in Nepal. An average 142g/ha. of pesticides. However, in cotton (2560 g/ha), tea
(2100g/ha) and vegetables (1400g/ha) appears excessive and without the consideration of applicators (farmers) and consumers.
On the basis of a.i.: 212 ton Worth of: 207.69 million NRs (2.95 million US $) Insecticides (botanicals and public health): 29.82 % Fungicides: 61.12 % Herbicide 7.43 %, Rodeticides: 1.17 % Bio-pesticides: 0.67 % 0.2 % others (Bactericides, Acaricides, Nematicides and rest).
Pesticide import and formulation (2009)
S.N. Pesticide Total quantity (Formulation)
Total value NRs. (000)
Total a.i. kg
Formulation ltr
Formulation kg
1 Insecticide
1.1 Organochlorine 31485.00 12880.50 11019.75 31485
1.2Organophosphate 53649.00 22383.70 23280.31 42884 10765
1.3 Carbamates 32013.00 3319.00 1344.15 650 31363.00
1.4Synthetic pyrethooids 60234.00 19485.30 5255.65 40634 19600
1.5 Mix 13760.00 8690.97 7284.30 13760
1.6 Others 122328.50 17851.48 13431.61 2865.00 119463.5
Sub total 313469.50 84610.95 61615.77132278.0
0 181191.50
Pesticide imported and formulated dataSN Pesticide Total qty
(Formulation)Total value NRs (000)
Total a.i. (kg)
Formulation ( Ltr)
Formulation (kg)
1 Acaricide 220.00 139.00 38.00 220.00
2 Bacteriacide 250.00 168.00 25.00 0.00 250.00
3 Fungicide 182365.00 92274.10 129567.16 5575.00 176790.00
4 Biopesticide 7233.00 2126.00 82.08 2099.00 5134.00
5 Herbicide 42563.00 13762.00 15683.10 37452.00 5111.00
6 Nematicide 15.00 11.00 0.23 15.00
8 Rodenticide 3085.00 1797.00 2468.00 3085.00
9 Public health 32000.00 12800.00 1600.00 32000
Sub total 267731.00 123077.10 149463.56 45361.00 222370.00
Grand total pesticides 581200.50 207688.05 211079.34 177639.00 403561.50
Pesticide registration data
Trade products: 470 Technical names: 88
Insecticides: 44 Fungicides: 24 Herbicides: 12 Rodenticide -3 Bio- pesticides: 4 Bacteriacide - 1
Types of pesticide use in Nepal
AIC stopped purchase: 1995 then 6372 retailers registered
Almost 289 different types of pesticides-registered
Insecticides (173), fungicides (62), herbicides (24), rodenticides (9), botanicals (13) others (13)
Insecticides (60%), fungicides (30%) others (10%)
Organophosphates (29% in 2007 and 82% in 2003)
Biopesticides (less than 0.1%), botanicals (0.01%), bactericides and acaricides (less than 1%)
Highest use: tea, cotton, vegetables (brinjal, tomato, legumes), rice,
Summary of date expired pesticides accumulated in Nepal
SN Pesticide group Amount (mt) % of total
1 Mixed (PoP and OC) 23.61 31.80
2 Organochlorine 10.48 14.02
3 POPs 10.05 13.54
4 OM 8.38 11.29
5 OP 7.95 10.72
6 Fungicides 4.45 5.99
7 Rodenticides 2.60 3.51
8 Fumigants 2.52 3.40
9 SP 1.86 2.52
10 Herbicides 1.84 2.48
11 CM 0.54 0.73
12 Grand total 74.25 100
Pesticide policy for the enforcement of pesticide act
Pesticide act (1991) and pesticide rules (1993) effective since 16 July 1994 Pesticides are registered and regulated under the pesticide act and rules Act regulates the imports, production, sale, distribution, marketing and use of
pesticides for management and preventing pesticide risk Under the pesticide act 1991, a Pesticides Board is functional comprising
various Ministries, pesticide association, scientists and consumers group Major tasks: implementation of national and international rules and regulations
Pesticide under WHO classification
SN Hazard level WHO group Pesticides (Technical)
1 Extremely hazardous IA -
2 Highly hazardous IB 4
3 Moderately hazardous II 31
4 Slightly hazardous III 16
5 Unlikely to prsent acute hazard in normal use
NH 35
6 Not calculated NC 2
Total 88
Banned pesticide
Phorate and Methomyl are in the process of banning
Methyl bromide: 2015 for strictly for quarantine purpose
Chlordane
DDT
Dieldrin
Endrin
Aldrin
Heptachlor
Mirex
Toxafen
BHC
Lindane
Phosphamidon
Organo mercury fungicides
Methyl parathion
Monocrotophos
Stock of obsolete pesticide
Obsolete pesticide is 74.265 mt + 43 cylinder of methyl bromide (50 kg) stored in warehouse at 24 locations of the country
Table 1. Trends and value of pesticide import
YearQuantity (kg. a. i.) Rupees (NRs, 000)
1997 56,172.56 5,13,87.94
1998 77,856.87 (+) 6,60,59.84
1999 1,08,427.82 (+) 8,45,17.61
2000 1,96,064.58 (+) 14,74,38.80
2001 1,46,152.48 (-) 14,86,20.34
2002 1,77,591.10 (+) 18,35,35.85
2003 1,76,372.81 (-) 12,31,58.14
2004 1,54,082.05 (-) 13,10,22.8
2005 1,31,270.43 (-) 13,00,25.6
2006 1,31,284.55 (+) 13,31,28.45
2007 3,47,494.50 (+) 27,26,81.3
2008 3,12,740.50 (-) 23,33,10.75 (-)
2009 2, 11, 079.34 (-) 20,76,88.05 (-)
Pesticides Board/Committee
• Advise Nepal government in the formulation of national policy regarding pesticide,
• Maintain coordination between private and government sectors in the production and distribution of pesticides,
• Rational encouragement of the private sectors to invest in the industry,
• Regulate or control the quality of produce by the industry operated by private/government sectors, and
• Establish standard for pesticide
Mandated to:
Under the board, 2 sub- committee: Technical sub- committee (with 7 member) Legal sub- committee (with 3 member)
The Pesticide Registration and Management Division
• Established in 1994 under the act• To operate the pesticide registration and management activities.
Duties of PRMD:
• Register pesticides and issue certificate upon receiving application • Ascertain the criteria for rational and appropriate use of pesticides
Pesticide Registration
• Registration is required for each formulation and even brand of a single technical compound.
• The pesticides are registered in the name of Trade Product for 5 years with or with out provision/ condition.
Pesticide registration proceduresApplication form for registration of pesticides with NRs.5 ticket.Pesticide registration fee RS. 1000/-Letter of Authorization from the Manufacture/Formulator Company.A statement of the need to use in NepalSummary of intended use patternEcotoxicological dataEfficacy data Residue analysis dataCopies of at least one foreign registration certificate (evidence that the product is registered overseas)Three copies of the original label Approved labelsLeaflets in Nepali language - for importersLabels and leaflets in Nepali Language - for domestic formulators. For research no attachments are necessary
Licensing Mechanism
The licensing controls from un-authorized handling Implemented under Pesticide Act 1991 and Pesticide Rule 1993(1st
amendment in 2006). formulators, distributors, sellers or users shall obtain a license from
the Pesticide Board No person may manufacture, import, supply or retail the registered
Pesticides unless he/she in possession of a valid license
Government Policy & Legislation
The national conservation strategy (1998) Nepal Environment Policy and Action Plan (NEPAP) endorsed in
1993 The National Environmental Guideline (1993) The Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1996 Pesticide Act, 1991 and Regulation 1993 with 1st amendment in 2006
Steps towards the reduced use of chemical pesticides
• Promotion of user and environment friendly formulation of pesticides
• Adoption of IPM approach in the pest management
• Promotion of bio-pesticides and botanical pesticides
• Banning of pesticides (such as extremely hazardous group, POPs pesticides, and PIC listed pesticides)
• Proper disposal of obsolete pesticides accumulated in the country
Policy level issues Inadequate legal and regulatory frames work Inadequate guidelines and formal policy Ineffective control and monitoring mechanism Inefficient transfer of technology and poor information dissemination Transboundary issues due to the long, open and porous border with India Lack of government laboratory facilities for residue and toxicological analysis Dealers/retailers take up intensive and aggressive marketing strategies Lack of biorational and biopesticides as alternatives for pest control to
chemical pesticides conventional and expensive formulations methods Lack of awareness about pesticide dose, method of use, waiting period,
pesticide hazards to mankind and environment etc. Farmer's addiction to chemical pesticide use
National IPM Program and outcomesNational IPM Program and outcomes
First phase of IPM
Began: 2003: In support of Gov of Norway Began: 2003: In support of Gov of Norway • Outcomes: Trained human resources (technicians and farmers)Outcomes: Trained human resources (technicians and farmers)• Support to program initiativesSupport to program initiatives• Created awareness among farmers, principles and method of Created awareness among farmers, principles and method of
IPMIPM• IPM based on field studies, crop productivity (rice and IPM based on field studies, crop productivity (rice and
vegetables)vegetables)• Institutionalization and mainstreaming of IPM to regular Institutionalization and mainstreaming of IPM to regular
program of Government, NGos program of Government, NGos • The first phase has forged the roadmap to second phase of The first phase has forged the roadmap to second phase of
IPM IPM
Second phase of IPMSecond phase of IPM
• Began: January 2008 – Dec 2012 in support of Gov of Norway Began: January 2008 – Dec 2012 in support of Gov of Norway • Objectives: consolidatation, intensification and institutionalization of the Objectives: consolidatation, intensification and institutionalization of the
outcomes of first phase of IPM,outcomes of first phase of IPM,• Up scale IPM to all 75 districtsUp scale IPM to all 75 districts• Theme is not just about pest controlTheme is not just about pest control• Holistic and sustainable management production management Holistic and sustainable management production management • Food security, reduce poverty and safe gourd environmentFood security, reduce poverty and safe gourd environment• Major focus: Developing and spreading successful IPM technologiesMajor focus: Developing and spreading successful IPM technologies• Increase agriculture production, promote marketing to IPM crop productsIncrease agriculture production, promote marketing to IPM crop products• Far beyond the class room of the institutions and researches Far beyond the class room of the institutions and researches
Achievements of IPM Programme
• Farmers trained : 72957 (60% Female)• Trainers currently active : 1149 IPM Programme (1042 - I/NGO 107)• Farmer Field School (FFS) implemented : 1010• FFS in Rice in Rice : 661• FFS in Vegetable : 649• Good understanding among farmers on ecology based crop production.
Some Impacts of IPM Programme
• Reduction in pesticide use by 40% in FFS areas.• Increase in crop yield from 15 – 25% in rice and 32-48% in vegetable as
compared to farmers’ adopted practice.• Gradual increase in bio and botanical pesticides.
Gender MainstreamingGender Mainstreaming
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
EDR CDR WDR M/ WDR
Region
Perc
ent
Male Female
Male and Female participation in rice FFS
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
EDR CDR WDR M/FWDR
Region
Parti
cipa
tion
(%)
Female Male
Male and Female participation in vegetable FFS
Social InclusionSocial Inclusion Rice
Others72%
Janajati24%
Dalit4%
Vegetable
Dalit5%
Janajati30%
Others65%
Other Visible ImpactsOther Visible Impacts Ecosystem Understanding Ecosystem Understanding Reduction in use of Hazardous pesticide: Reduction in use of Hazardous pesticide: Use ofUse of pesticides reduced by pesticides reduced by
40% in all most all program areas. The number of non-users increased 40% in all most all program areas. The number of non-users increased and the type and frequency of pesticide application by users reduced and the type and frequency of pesticide application by users reduced after FFS. Desirable behavioral changes observed in the farmers attitude after FFS. Desirable behavioral changes observed in the farmers attitude towards calendar spraying. Trend of using botanical pesticides based on towards calendar spraying. Trend of using botanical pesticides based on local plant resources increased significantly.local plant resources increased significantly.
Health and Environment : OHealth and Environment : Over 80% of the IPM farmers agreed to a ver 80% of the IPM farmers agreed to a better health condition and think that their doctor visit and medicine cost better health condition and think that their doctor visit and medicine cost reduced. Around 85% of the farmers who participated in FFS felt reduced. Around 85% of the farmers who participated in FFS felt changes in the environment, i.e. eco-friendly pest management made changes in the environment, i.e. eco-friendly pest management made possible beekeeping, rice field fishery. possible beekeeping, rice field fishery.
Food Security - AFood Security - Average income of the farmers improved in program verage income of the farmers improved in program areas due to increase in yield following IPM practice. In the FFS areas areas due to increase in yield following IPM practice. In the FFS areas 15-25% yield increase was recorded in rice and 32.7-48.3% in 15-25% yield increase was recorded in rice and 32.7-48.3% in vegetables. vegetables.
Awareness and Peace buildingAwareness and Peace building - - Exposure of politicians or officials to FFS in Exposure of politicians or officials to FFS in
action or to alumni group activities has created a keen interest in IPM-FFS activities. action or to alumni group activities has created a keen interest in IPM-FFS activities.
In particular, it was noted that the FFS were able to bring together different social In particular, it was noted that the FFS were able to bring together different social
groups and political orientations in a common programme. This aspect of IPM-FFS groups and political orientations in a common programme. This aspect of IPM-FFS
is highly relevant and appreciated in the social and political context of Nepal.is highly relevant and appreciated in the social and political context of Nepal.
Linkage, Coordination and CollaborationLinkage, Coordination and Collaboration - - Farmers and local government have Farmers and local government have
shown higher enthusiasm in IPM program. Involvement of NGO/INGO ( such as shown higher enthusiasm in IPM program. Involvement of NGO/INGO ( such as
World Education, CARITAS, MADE/Nepal, WINROCK International, World Education, CARITAS, MADE/Nepal, WINROCK International,
Helvetas/Nepal) increased significantly over the years. IPM Coordination activities Helvetas/Nepal) increased significantly over the years. IPM Coordination activities
are regularized in the regular activities of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives are regularized in the regular activities of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
and funding for FFS from local recourses has also been increased.and funding for FFS from local recourses has also been increased.
Government commitment
Nepal signatory country of International Conventions related to pesticide Stockholm Convention, Basel Convention, Rotterdam Convention Montreal Protocol (MOEST 2008) As a commitment and an obligation to these global treaties Government of Nepal
has banned an import and use of POPs DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, chlordane, heptachlor, toxaphene, mirex). Recently
GON banned some other pesticides as methyl parthion and monocrotophos that are under extremely hazardous (Ia) and highly hazardous (Ib) WHO/FAO toxicity category.
Highly hazardous pesticides such as phorate (Ia), acephate (Ib), dichlorvos (Ib), methomyl (Ib), triazophos (Ib), zinc phosphide (Ib) and endosulfan (IIa) of the organochlorine group are still in use.
However, GON has restricted the use of ethion, methomyl and phorate in tea plantation (PRMD 2004) that will facilitate the import of tea in EU countries.
Issues, challenges and area of improvement
Pesticide misuse; Unnecessary use Improper selection Highly toxic/broad spectrum pesticide Overdose and frequency For killing fishes Storing along with food grains and stuffs Dipping of vegetables No care of waiting periods Throwing of empty container Use of date expired pesticides
Issues, challenges and area of improvement Treatment of pesticide like medicine Residue problem Illegal trans boundary movement Low public awareness Adulterated products Disposal of obsolete pesticides Alternatives to pesticides Cumbersome process of bio pesticides registration No institutions to certify IPM products Weak regulatory and poor monitoring system Poor coordination among stakeholders Low enforcement of Act and Pesticide Regulations Lack of experts in pesticide toxicology
About 75 metric tones of obsolete pesticides stored in different places are
awaiting for disposal. Nepal appreciates technical support from APPPC and other Regional
International agencies for strengthening its capacity in plant protection services.
Problems associated with pesticides Environment pollution
Air pollutionWater pollutionSoil pollution
On public health On wildlife and fishes On natural enemies Residues problem Pest resistance problem Pest resurgence (pest flair-back) Secondary pest outbreaks Incidental loss (deliberately intake)
Future strategies of Directorate
Pesticide monitoring system while import, formulation, storage, sale and disposal
Deregistering of highly toxic pesticides (extremely hazardous) IA and IB of WHO classification
Promotion of Bio-pesticides/Bio-control agents Promotion of IPM and other alternative pest management strategies Establishment of central, regional as well as community level
laboratories for quality, residue and toxicology analysis Capacity building of pesticide importers, resellers and farmers Promotion of environment friendly formulation Strategies for first in first out policy (minimise pesticide being as
obsolete) Disposal of the obsolete pesticides
Awareness program
Hording boards, Pamphlets, TV, Radio/FM Street drama, Study materials (Leaflets, Posters, CDs) Trainings (farmers, medium level technicians, officer level) Workshop, seminars, talk program Curriculum amendments Natural enemies and biorearing Observation visits Exposure tours, Mobile plant clinic, Occasional campaign Establishment of central laboratories at PPD National pesticide residue monitoring lab (PMRS) Monitoring of pesticides and pesticides on plant samples Food residue monitoring (may be through DFTQC) Strengthening of RPPLs Capacity building (Chromatography)
