Pesticides killing insects increased challenge to food security
Posted by Labels: Food Security, Insects, Pesticide and Herbicide, Pollination
KATHMANDU: Usage of excessive pesticide has emerged as a challenge to maintain food security in the country.
Pesticides are killing insects helpful in fertilisation process, said spokesperson of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Dr Hari Dahal. “Some 35 per cent plants fertilise through pollination and the use of excessive pesticides have reduced the rate, he added. Around 350,000 kg pesticide is used in the country annually. The quantity is not a large quantity but pesticide use is consontrated in Terai and sub-urban areas of hill districts. Therefore, its intensity is high.
Pollination is a process of fertilisation in plants. Small insects like bees, butterflies, moths, flies, and hummingbirds pollinate plants and vegetables. However, 65 per cent of world plants are pollinated by wind and other agents.
According to him, the government is experimenting on role of insects in fertilisation of Fapar, Tori and Titekarela in Chitwan district. Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science of Tribhuvan University is executing the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s $125,000 project in Chitwan districts. The project will end in 2014. According to him, the ministry is planning to include conservation of useful insects in National Agriculture Policy. Most of fruits of vegetables depend on insects in pollination, so we are developing pesticide free pocket areas to increase useful insects, he said, adding that it is also planning other measures like conservation of insect’s natural habitat, reducing pesticide and promotion of local plants. Local plants are more insect friendly, so they should be conserved, he said.
However, he did not present facts and figures to support his logics. Meanwhile, the government has hosted international conference on the issue on November 12-18. Experts from 11 countries and UN agencies took part in the conference that aims to conserve pollination process.
HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE
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