In recent years, the growing use of chemical pesticides in Nepal has become a significant concern. As agriculture remains the backbone of the country’s economy, farmers have turned to chemical pesticides to combat pests and secure crop production. As per the study conducted by G.C and Neupane (2019), the average pesticide use in Nepal is 396 gm/ha, however, it is used in higher rates in vegetable and fruits production and the pesticide usage is increasing by 10-20% annually. The widespread adoption of these chemicals has led to unintended consequences, including soil degradation, water pollution, and negative impacts to human health. Many farmers, particularly in rural areas, often lack proper knowledge about safe pesticide use and the long-term effects. Additionally, the lack of a strong monitoring system of pesticide use has also exacerbated the problem, raising concerns amongst all the stakeholders concerned.  

The Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoLMAC) of Karnali Province initiated efforts to make Karnali an organic province through its “Karnali Province Organic Mission,” with an aim to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides by encouraging sustainable agricultural practices. The province has also started celebrating “No Pesticide Use Week” that seeks to promote the use of organic fertilizers, biological pest management techniques, environmentally friendly farming practices and aware about harmful effect of chemical pesticide through various programs, including workshops, farmer training, and public awareness.  

This year Karnali Province celebrated No Pesticide Use Week from March 16th to 22nd, 2025. This week-long initiative, jointly organized by the Integrated Agriculture Lab, Surkhet, and the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives (MoLMAC) of Karnali Province, in collaboration with LI-BIRD and different development partners aimed to foster collaboration among farmers, traders, policymakers, and consumers, highlighting  need for discouraging the use of harmful chemicals and instead embrace eco-friendly alternatives for healthier food systems and a cleaner environment. The event focused on the importance of transitioning to alternative pest management solutions, including biopesticides, and moving toward ecological farming practices. 

There were a range of engaging activities in the weeklong celebration that began with a rally in Birendranagar, Surkhet, where participants raised awareness about negative impact of pesticides through posters, social media campaigns and street drama by students. Awareness classes on sustainable agriculture and harmful effects of chemical pesticides were held at schools to educate younger generations on the impacts of pesticides on human health along with environment. A key highlight of the event was the live demonstration of biopesticide preparation, educating farmers with eco-friendly pest control methods and publication of IEC Materials. The event concluded with a multi-stakeholder workshop held on March 22nd, 2025, at the Agriculture and Livestock Business Promotion Training Centre (ALBPTC). 

Approximately 120 participants, including government officials, farmers, cooperatives, health officers, and development partners, gathered to reflect on the activities of the week and discuss future steps for Karnali Province. The workshop featured a panel discussion focused on the status and challenges of biopesticides promotion in Karnali. Experts, including health professionals and farmers, shared insights into the growing need for alternative pest management solutions, especially in light of the increasing health risks associated with pesticide use. The panel also discussed the challenges of adopting biopesticides, such as high production costs due to use of external resources and limited awareness among farmers, while calling for more incentives and training to encourage wider adoption. A short video competition was organized with an aim to raise awareness about the impact of pesticides and the benefits of biopesticides, and the winners were rewarded with certificates and a cash prize in the same event. 

Program guests shared their views on the harmful effects of pesticides and the urgent need to shift toward sustainable practices. Mr. Tilak Adhikari from FIAN Nepal addressed the alarming impact of pesticides on agriculture and pointed the harmful effects of pesticides on human health. Mr. Prasuram Rawat, Secretary of MoLMAC, emphasized the importance of increasing awareness about the detrimental impacts of pesticides and advocated for integrating the private sector into the development of organic fertilizers. Mr. Narayan Koirala, from the Nepal Cancer Relief Society, highlighted the rising incidence of cancer in areas heavily dependent on pesticides, pointing to the carcinogenic risks linked to pesticide use. He advocated for stricter regulations to control pesticide residues in local produce.  

Honorable Agriculture Minister Mr. Binod Kumar Shah reflected on the unintended consequences of scientific innovations, such as chemical pesticides, and outlined plans to eventually ban their use in Nepal. He urged for collective responsibility from all stakeholders in reducing pesticide use and emphasized the provincial government’s 15 years organic Karnali mission under Karnali Organic Agriculture Act 2076 aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture. Chitra Bahadur Rokaya, chief of the Integrated Agriculture Lab, in his closing remarks call for continued efforts towards pesticide reduction, stating that Karnali Province’s efforts should serve as a model for other provinces of Nepal. He acknowledged the crucial role of local communities, government bodies, and development partners in making this initiative a success. 

The No-Pesticide Use Week in Karnali Province served as a powerful reminder of the importance of sustainable farming practices in protecting public health, the environment, and the future of farming system. As Karnali embarks on its journey to become Nepal’s first organic province, the call for collective action has been clearer. Now, farmers, policymakers, and consumers need to work together to reduce pesticide use and embrace agroecological practices that support a healthier, sustainable agricultural system and aid in the Organic Mission of Karnali Province. 

“The Green Evolution: Pathways to Food Systems Transformation” is a multi-country project, implemented in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, funded by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The aim of the project is to strengthen local food systems that safeguard people’s rights to safe food, promote food sovereignty for local communities, and build up resilience to climate change (SDG goal #2). In Nepal, it is jointly implemented by ANSAB, HPC, LI-BIRD and WHH in Dailekh, Jumla and Surkhet district of Karnali Province.