Dr Dilli Ram Sharma explores how Nepal’s ban on highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) aims to reduce suicide rates and address a growing public health crisis, particularly in rural agricultural communities.
*Warning: This article discusses suicidal behaviour. If you have questions on self-harm or feel suicidal, use this link to find an international helpline.*
Nepal: Photo credit: Heshani Sothiraj Eddleston
Introduction
Nepal, a country with a rich agricultural heritage, faces a significant public health crisis stemming from the ingestion of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs).
These substances have been linked to a troubling rise in suicide cases, particularly in rural areas where agricultural practices are predominant.
In response to this crisis, the Nepalese government has implemented a ban on certain highly hazardous pesticides, aiming to reduce the incidence of suicides related to pesticide poisoning.
This article explores the implications of this ban and its potential in alleviating the public health crisis in Nepal.
The Context of Pesticide Use in Nepal
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Nepal’s economy, employing a large portion of the population.
However, the extensive use of pesticides has raised serious health concerns.
In 2018-2019, Nepal recorded approximately 5,754 suicides, with almost a quarter of them (over 24 per cent) attributed to poisoning, predominantly from agricultural pesticides.
This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for effective regulatory measures.
The Ban on Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Since 2019, Nepal has banned 26 highly hazardous pesticides.
This decision was based on extensive research and data collected through the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP), which analysed pesticide usage and its impacts from 2017 to 2024.
The CPSP provided crucial insights that informed the Nepalese Pesticide Board’s decisions regarding which substances to ban.
Key findings indicated that the ban on HHPs would not adversely affect agricultural productivity while significantly reducing health risks associated with pesticide ingestion.
Rationale for the Ban
- Health Impact: The ingestion of highly hazardous pesticides has been linked to acute poisoning and long-term health effects. By banning these substances, the government aims to reduce the number of suicides caused by pesticide ingestion.
- Agricultural Alternatives: The ban encourages the adoption of safer pest management practices, which can lead to sustainable farming methods without compromising crop yields.
- Psychosocial Factors: The impact of pesticide poisoning on mental health is significant. Reducing access to these dangerous substances may help alleviate some of the mental health crises contributing to suicide rates.
Evidence from Other Countries
Countries like Sri Lanka, China and Bangladesh have seen a dramatic decrease in suicide rates following similar bans on highly hazardous pesticides.
For instance, Sri Lanka, which had one of the world’s highest suicide rates, saw a drop of more than more than 70%, saving an estimated 93,000 lives, after banning several toxic pesticides prohibiting, underscoring the potential effectiveness of such measures.
Challenges and Considerations
While the ban is a critical step towards reducing pesticide-related suicides, several challenges remain:
- Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with the ban requires robust regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
- Awareness and Education: Farmers must be educated about the dangers of hazardous pesticides and trained in alternative pest management strategies.
- Mental Health Support: Addressing the root causes of mental distress and providing support for at-risk populations is essential for a holistic approach to suicide prevention.
Conclusion
The ban on highly hazardous pesticides in Nepal, informed by the findings of the Comprehensive Pesticide Study Program from 2017 to 2024, represents a significant public health initiative aimed at reducing suicide rates linked to pesticide ingestion. By learning from the experiences of other countries and addressing the challenges of enforcement and education, Nepal can move towards a safer agricultural environment. Continued commitment to mental health resources and alternative agricultural practices will be crucial in ensuring the success of this initiative and ultimately saving lives.
References
- World Health Organization – Scaling Up Suicide Prevention in Nepal
- BMC Public Health – Pesticide Poisoning and Mental Health
About the author:
Dr Dilli Ram Sharma is an expert in agriculture field with thirty-two years experience in Government, particularly the Ministry of Agricultural and Livestock Development.
Dr Sharma has over 32 years of field to policy level experiences in the plant protection sector. Dr Sharma served as Joint Secretary under the Ministry of Agricultural and Livestock Development, the Chair of Pesticide Registration Committee, and Head of NPPO (National Plant Protection Organization).
He is Member Expert for Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC) of UN/FAO/IPPC from Asia region. He served as DNA of Rotterdam Convention from Nepal (2018-2020), Chair of Asia and Pacific IPM Standing Committee (2017-2019). Dr Sharma holds a M.Sc. in IPM from Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, India and a PhD in Pesticide Management from Tribvuwan University, Nepal.
