Kathmandu: A new study has revealed that the widespread use of chemical pesticides in Nepal’s primary food crop, rice, is posing serious risks not only to farmers but also to consumers. Based on surveys of commercial rice growers in Rupandehi and laboratory testing of rice samples collected from markets across the Kathmandu Valley, the findings paint a troubling picture of weak pesticide regulation and unsafe agricultural practices.
Conducted by Progressive Sustainable Developers Nepal in collaboration with India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, the research highlights what experts describe as a looming “pesticide crisis” in Nepal’s agriculture and public health systems. At a time when excessive pesticide use in vegetables has already raised alarms, the discovery of harmful residues in rice, a daily staple, has deepened concerns.
One of the most alarming findings is the continued use of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide banned by the government due to its severe health risks. Residues of this chemical were detected in 20 percent of rice samples collected from Bhaktapur, raising serious questions about enforcement and regulatory oversight. The study also found that highly toxic substances such as aluminium phosphide and zinc phosphide, commonly used as rodenticides, are being handled and stored unsafely by farmers.
Published on June 6, 2025, and based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour framework, the study shows that 83 percent of rice samples in Nepal contained pesticide residues, with 80 percent carrying two or more types. Researcher Utkal Sapkota noted that the findings were peer-reviewed and published in Springer Nature’s international journal Environment, Development and Sustainability, underscoring their scientific credibility.
The highest contamination levels were found in rice samples from Kathmandu compared to Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, with basmati rice showing particularly high residue levels. Commonly detected chemicals included tricyclazole, thiamethoxam, and tebuconazole—some of which exceeded maximum residue limits set by the European Union, making them potentially harmful to human health. Overall, residues of 11 different pesticides were identified, including insecticides, fungicides, and even banned substances, with concentrations ranging from 5.09 to 312.54 micrograms per kilogram.
Field surveys conducted among 120 commercial farmers in Kapilvastu’s Mayadevi Rural Municipality and 50 pesticide sellers revealed continued use of banned and highly hazardous chemicals. Many farmers were found to rely on advice from retailers or neighbouring farmers rather than formal guidance, often using pesticides without protective gear such as masks, gloves, or boots. Improper disposal practices—such as discarding containers in fields or near water sources—were also common.
The health impact on farmers is already visible. Around 40 percent reported skin-related illnesses, 20 percent experienced extreme fatigue, and 15 percent suffered from chronic headaches. Other symptoms included eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and blurred vision. The study also noted that a significant portion of farmers lacked formal education, contributing to unsafe handling practices and overreliance on informal advice.
While the study suggests that immediate health risks to consumers may not yet be acute, it warns of serious long-term consequences. Regular consumption of pesticide-laden food or repeated exposure could disrupt hormonal, neurological, and reproductive systems, potentially leading to conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, heart disease, liver damage, brain tumours, and miscarriage. According to the World Health Organization, more than 4 million people worldwide are affected by pesticide exposure each year, with approximately 300,000 deaths attributed to it.
Government data further shows that Nepal imports between 650 and 1,200 metric tons of pesticides annually, spanning around 170 types. Nearly 85 percent of these are used in vegetable farming, with districts like Kavre, Bara, Sarlahi, Dhading, Kapilvastu, and Makwanpur accounting for about 70 percent of usage. Only around 15 percent is applied to food grains like rice.
To address the growing crisis, the study recommends two key actions: strengthening legal enforcement to curb the illegal use of banned pesticides and introducing regular monitoring of pesticide residues in rice available in the market. Without urgent intervention, researchers warn, Nepal risks facing a deeper food safety and public health emergency.
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