The silent trap of Nepal's pesticide crisis: Science-based intervention is the solution
Summary
Nepalese farmers face a growing pesticide resistance crisis caused by over-application and lack of technical guidance, risking agricultural productivity and ecosystem health.
Key Points
- Overuse and improper application of pesticides in Nepal are accelerating pest resistance, threatening crop protection.
- Farmers increase spray frequency and chemical concentrations due to ineffective pest control, creating a toxic feedback loop.
- Lack of government extension services leads farmers to rely heavily on agrovet vendors rather than scientific advice, worsening resistance issues.
- Sustainable pest management integrating chemical treatments with ecological alternatives is crucial for long-term agricultural health in Nepal.