The Nepal Public Health Foundation (NPHF) is currently undertaking a project on Farming Health and Environment (FHEN) to promote the use of organic farming methods and improve the overall health and well-being of Nepali farmers and consumers. This project aims to reduce the use of harmful pesticides and promote sustainable farming practices. However, the recent decision by the Nepalese government to block the proposal to test Indian vegetables for pesticides is a setback for the project.
According to the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, about 30 groups of pesticides are used in vegetables, fruits, and other crops, which are imported from India without checking the amount of pesticides used. Nepali farmers are being forced to throw their produce on the streets, as imported vegetables from India flood the market. In the last financial year, vegetables worth 16.96 billion rupees were imported from India without pesticide testing, while Nepali farmers struggled to find a market for their produce.
The government’s decision to block the proposal to test Indian vegetables for pesticides is concerning for both Nepali farmers and consumers. The NPHF believes that it is essential to promote sustainable farming practices to ensure the long-term health and well-being of Nepali farmers and consumers. The organization will continue to work towards its goal of promoting organic farming methods and reducing the use of harmful pesticides in Nepal.
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