Vegetables containing high pesticide residues have again appeared in markets across Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, despite repeated government warnings about chemical contamination.
Laboratory tests conducted on Monday found dangerously high pesticide levels in round chilli (akabare khursani). More than 30 kg of the chilli were destroyed after being declared unfit for consumption. The Rapid Bioassay of Pesticide Residue (RBPR) Analysis Unit reported that chilli samples from Makawanpur contained organophosphate pesticide residues of 57.07 per cent. The laboratory considers residue below 35 per cent safe for consumption, while 35 to 45 per cent may be consumable after a waiting period. Levels above 45 per cent are unsafe and must be discarded.
Other vegetables showed similar contamination. Last Thursday, green pumpkin samples from Makawanpur recorded 45.59 per cent organophosphate residue, sponge gourd from Dhading contained 65.03 per cent, and cucumber from Kathmandu showed 52.92 per cent. As a result, 62 kg of green pumpkin, 5 kg of sponge gourd, and 45 kg of cucumber were destroyed, according to an official at the Central Agricultural Laboratory in Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur.
Most vegetables tested by the laboratory are distributed through the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market, Nepal's largest wholesale hub, supplying the entire Kathmandu Valley. The findings show that much of the produce sold there is grown using organophosphate pesticides, which are more toxic than carbamates. Both pesticide types are classified as highly hazardous and can cause long-term neurological and environmental damage.
Officials say farmers frequently overuse pesticides to accelerate crop growth and control pests, often ignoring safe application guidelines. Changing climatic conditions and emerging pest species have increased pesticide use and imports. "Most farmers do not follow good agricultural practices and are unaware of the proper way to use pesticides," said Mahesh Timilsina. Shortly before sending them to market to keep them looking fresh. "If they used the recommended amount and observed the waiting period before harvest, the residue levels would fall within safe limits," Timilsina said.
The government has expanded the number of daily samples tested at the Kalimati laboratory from seven or eight types of vegetables to 17 or 18. However, Timilsina noted that awareness of pesticide risks among growers remains low. Most vegetables sold in Kalimati come from agricultural districts such as Makawanpur, Kavrepalanchok, Sarlahi, Bara, Chitwan, and Dhading.
Routine tests show that leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes, and cauliflower often exceed safe pesticide levels. Earlier this year, 600 kg of leafy greens, 32 kg of beans, and other vegetables, including broccoli, long yard beans, and bitter gourd, were destroyed after testing above safe residue limits.
The World Health Organisation warns that pesticide exposure can cause short- and long-term health effects. Nepalese agricultural authorities have also documented increased use of hazardous pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilisers in recent years, raising ongoing public health and environmental concerns.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
