The importance of plant clinics to Nepalese smallholder farmers
Nepal has immense diversity in its agro-climate and its crop production, thanks to the variation in its physical landscape. However, it faces a major constraint on its agricultural production, due to pests. Various studies indicate that about 35–40% of pre- and post-harvest losses in Nepal are caused by pests. Several types of chemicals are used to control the pests of the major crops. However, while chemical pesticides are useful for reducing pest populations and incidence they can cause environmental pollution, degradation of soil fertility and the destruction of natural enemies. Furthermore, pests can become resistant to these pesticides. At the...Read more