Strengthening pesticide management in agriculture in Nepal
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Pesticide residues in foods, farmers’ exposure to pesticides, and environmental pollution are serious concerns in Nepal. Risks from pesticides are high because of the lack of knowledge of farmers, limited training and awareness on the safe production of food crops, the absence of an effective code of practices, and inadequate residue monitoring. The project aimed to enhance the pesticide management capacities of the public and private sectors and farmers, in order to reduce pesticide residues in agricultural products.
What did the project do
The project strengthened the pesticide management capacities of both farmers and government agencies’ staff. Consumers’ ability to choose safer crop products was enhanced through awareness-raising activities. The project also enabled targeted institutions to implement community-level Integrated Pest Management (IPM)-Farmer Field Schools, and chemical safety programmes aimed at risk-assessment and reduction. A National Pesticide Policy was formulated, emphasizing the reduction of pesticide risks and sustainable crop production approaches, and institutionalizing a fast-track system for the registration of biopesticides. The project also made special efforts to reach potential women entrepreneurs, and provided technical assistance that was tailored to their needs.Impact
The project contributed to increasing employment opportunities at local level, and to improving occupational safety and health, by raising awareness on the impacts of the use of pesticides. One of the participants, Meghnath Kewat from Kapilvastu district, Nepal, benefited greatly from the project. Before the project he was a marginal farmer living below the poverty line, and was heavily dependent on chemical pesticides. Since participating in the project training activities his vegetable production has generated huge market demand, and his yearly income has increased substantially. He is now recognized and respected as an IPM commercial vegetable producer in his village.Activities
- National Pesticide Policy formulated.
- Six Rapid Bio-assay of Pesticide Residues laboratories strengthened in different parts of the country.
- Training courses organized on safe use, handling and management of pesticides for private sector organizations involved in the industry.
- Four types of codes of practice, and field guide on standard operating procedures on pesticide management developed.
- Sixty one Crop Producer Groups established in project districts, to produce sustainable supplies of IPM-based vegetable products for local and other districts users.
- 1 675 (female and male) crop producers trained on safer crop production, and quality assurance system.
- Television and radio broadcasts produced, and awareness campaigns organized to enhance the capacity of consumers to choose safer crop products.
Project symbol: TCP/NEP/3502
Project title: Strengthening pesticide management in agriculture to reduce risks to health and environment
Contact: FAO Office in Nepal
Email: [email protected]
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/a-bs937e.pdf