Pesticides harmful to human health have recently been detected in significant quantities in vegetables and fruits entering Kalimati, Nepal's largest vegetable and fruit market.

Officials attribute the rise in pesticide use to the growth of commercial agriculture. According to the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, 99% of mustard greens that entered Kalimati market on December 8 contained excessive pesticide levels. Since then, repeated testings have revealed similar results in other vegetables.

In a recent test, the department found a 42% enzyme inhibition rate in 114 kg of green beans brought from Chitwan. Enzyme inhibition refers to the blockage or obstruction of certain enzymes due to pesticide residues. The department tested 150 samples between Wednesday night and 5 a.m. Thursday.

According to safety standards, vegetables with an enzyme inhibition rate below 35% are deemed safe for consumption. Those between 35% and 45% are quarantined for a few days and re-tested, while those exceeding 45% are rejected and destroyed.

“A situation has arisen where crops that used to be pesticide-free now require pesticide application,” said Bhojraj Sapkota, head of the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center. “This is primarily due to the rise in commercial agriculture, unseasonal crop production, and new diseases and pests caused by climate change.”

Data from the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center shows that Nepal’s pesticide imports have surged in recent years. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2018/19, Nepal imported 809 metric tons of pesticides, which increased to 1,183 metric tons by FY 2022/23.

The center has registered 168 common-name pesticides and 5,807 trade-name pesticides, including fungicides, bactericides, rodenticides, and insecticides.

Sapkota stressed the need to focus on proper pesticide usage rather than just the volume imported. He noted that although the pesticides in Nepal are government-approved, improper usage—such as sending treated vegetables to market before the recommended waiting period—poses significant health risks to consumers.

Medical professionals warn that consuming pesticide-laden produce can severely harm human health. Cardiologist Dr. Arjun Budhathoki highlighted that pesticides affect every organ in the human body.

“High pesticide levels in vegetables can cause heart disease, skin problems, neurological disorders, menstrual and reproductive issues in women, and contribute to all types of cancer,” said Dr. Budhathoki.

To minimize health risks, he recommended washing vegetables at least five times with clean water. Washing with salt water or water mixed with potash can also reduce pesticide residues.