Abstract

With an aim to explore the possible phasing out of the chemical pesticides from the usages of agricultural purpose in Nepal, a desk review was carried out gleaning through the available literature. The major studies cover the status and usages of chemical pesticides whether it has been an alarming state or it can be used as the least options along with other ecological pest control means. At the same time, the study also tried to accumulate information on the existing policies on pesticide imports and registration along with the existing pest control measures with the use of chemical pesticides to determine judicious or injudicious usages. At the same time, the insight was made on the alternative control measures using botanicals and biopesticides as an alternative to chemical pesticides. Some of the initiatives towards organic production were also reviewed. The study revealed that Nepal is not a country using a high amount of chemical pesticides while producing agricultural crops. It is very interesting to note that, there is no chemical pesticide manufacturing industry existing in the country, as there are only four pesticides Formulation Company. They import active ingredients (a.i.) of the chemicals mainly from India and a few other countries. It has a robust chemical pesticide registration system through its own organization mechanisms. Very interestingly the national average of chemical pesticides is found as low as 396 a.i./ha which is very insignificant compared to another country. This further indicates that the soil and environment have not deteriorated yet and still large areas of the country do not rely on chemical pesticides. However, the use of chemical pesticides is the foremost choice for farmers in some commercial pockets in cash-generating crops. There are ample programs on the judicious use of chemical pesticides considering the health of the farmers, applicators, and environment. These are often considered indicating ample awareness on the safe use of chemical pesticides. Production and usages of botanicals and biopesticides are in place. Metarhizium anisopliae, a fungal biopesticide was produced for the first time in 2009 using indigenous strains. Dozens of biological products are registered and in use however, they are manufactured in abroad situations. The study also explored the possibilities of using agricultural commodities without using chemical pesticides. It was found that one of the provinces among seven in the country, the Carnal Province declared the organic state. Based on the geophysical situation of the country, the use of chemical pesticides has been limited to only in some commercial pockets less than 25% of the country, which is mostly at the flat area leaving mid-hills and high hills. This area consists of a major part of the country, which produces agricultural commodities by default organic in nature since there is less access to chemical pesticides coupled with a low infestation of insect pests and diseases. There is ample scopes of producing crops, vegetables, fruits, and several niche products. In commercial crops, gradual increase in the use of bio and botanical pesticides along with reduced reliance of chemicals needs promoting. For this enhanced coordination along with the governmental and non-governmental agencies is necessary. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has been involving in the capacity building of the national system. In Karnali State FAO is working further, which would be crucial in this endeavor.