KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 6

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MOALD), has banned production, formulation, import, export, commercial uses, storage, sale, distribution, and transportation of the three most highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) named Paraquat/Paraquat Dichloride, Chlorpyrifos, and Phorate.

It was made public by a gazette notification published on December 5, 2024 (Gazette, section 74).

According to the decision, the leftover pesticides-Paraquat and Chlorpyrifos-must be exhausted or used within two years. This grace period has not been given to Phorate as it has already decided to ban it back in 2015 and published in this gazette notice.

Chlorpyrifos

Chlorpyrifos (CAS No. 2921-88-2), also known as chlorpyrifos ethyl, is an organophosphate pesticide that has been used on crops and animals in buildings and other settings to kill several pests, including insects and worms.

It acts on the nervous systems of insects by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Exposure to Chlorpyrifos has been linked to neurological effects, persistent developmental disorders, and autoimmune disorders. Exposure during pregnancy may harm the mental development of children.

In the case of Nepal, its residues have been found in different vegetables like chilly, eggplants, and tomatoes, and farmers have already been affected by this pesticide.

Paraquat

Paraquat /Paraquat Dichloride (CAS No. 1910-42-5) is a toxic organic compound.

one of the most widely used herbicides worldwide. It is quick-acting and non-selective, killing green plant tissue on contact. Paraquat is toxic (lethal) to human beings and animals. In humans, paraquat damages the mouth, stomach, and intestines if it is ingested. Once absorbed, paraquat causes particular damage to the lungs, kidneys, and liver. Paraquat exposure has been linked to the development of Parkinson's disease.

Phorate

Phorate (CAS No. 298-02-2) is an organophosphate used as an insecticide and acaricide. It is extremely toxic, both for target organisms and for mammals, including humans. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Some metabolites may persist in soil. It also damages some seeds. Phorate (Thimate) is absorbed readily through all means. Its toxicity is high.

What are experts' opinions on the ban?

The Centre for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED), which has been working on pesticide and toxic chemical issues for a long time, has stated that the government's move to ban these pesticides is progressive and commendable.

'This move of banning the decision of the Pesticide Management Committee as per the provisions of the Pesticide Management Act 2019 (Section 22) is praiseworthy towards the protection of public health and the environment on one hand while also helping to fulfil our national obligation towards realisation of Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management's (SAICM) new emerging policy on HHPs and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), to which Nepal has been a party since 2007,' said Ram Charitra Sah, Executive, Director and Environment Scientist at CEPHED.

'The effective implementation of this progressive ban decision is critical and warned and drew attention to the long lists of registered pesticides allowed to be imported, sold, distributed, and used in Nepal. As of today, 34.15% (56 out of 164) registered chemical presides in Nepal have been banned in one or more countries around the world for their known toxic legacies to health and the environment.'

Pamela Miller, IPEN Co-Chair, said, 'The banning of these highly hazardous pesticides will save many lives and protect the health of workers, children, and communities throughout Nepal. Ending the production, formulation, import, export, and use of paraquat, chlorpyrifos, and phorate sets an important precedent for countries around the world and is an essential measure to safeguard public health and the environment.'

'In May 2025, the nations of the world will decide on a possible global ban on chlorpyrifos under provisions of the Stockholm Convention at the meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP). Nepal demonstrates that action on this and other harmful pesticides is both possible and necessary,' she added.

Likewise, Dolores Romano, Policy Manager for Chemicals, European Environmental Bureau, mentioned finally that the time of paraquat, chlorpyrifos, and phorate is over.

'These highly hazardous pesticides have no longer a place in Nepal. While welcoming this positive move of the Government of Nepal, we invite other countries to follow this example to protect human health and the environment and urge the EU to stop exporting HHP already banned in this region due to their high risks,' she said.

'Lastly, on behalf of all people of Nepal, especially farmers who have already suffered from the ill effects of these pesticides, we call for the effective implementation of all these pesticide ban decisions and urge for the progressive banning of all toxic registered pesticides in Nepal that have been banned in one or more countries around the world but legally registered, imported, sold, distributed and used in Nepal.'