1. THE USE OF PESTICIDES IN BHUTAN
Background
Until 1989 all types of pesticides irrespective of their toxicity and persistence, were used in
Bhutan. From 1990, government restricted import of highly toxic and persistent pesticides and
prohibited private imports. The pesticide subsidy was reduced stepwise from 100% to 0% by
1995.
Uncontrolled imports and free supply of pesticides in the past led overuse of often very toxic
insecticides and an accumulation of obsolete pesticides. In 1995 a total of 66 tons of obsolete
pesticides was collected including around 13 tons of fungicides, 23 tons of herbicides and 30
tons of insecticides. These pesticides were re-packed and disposed off at a huge cost.
Since 1984 the pattern of pesticide changed considerably as shown in Figure 1. There was a
strong decrease in the use of insecticides and fungicides while the use of herbicides increased.
The likely explanation for this change is that when pesticides were fully subsidised there was a
general overuse. When subsidies were phased out gradually, the demands decreased. Herbicides,
however, were never subsidized. Now farmers have to pay the full price, they buy only pesticides
that give a good return on their investment. Labour shortage and cost of labour apparently
stimulate the use of herbicides.
Fig. 1. Pesticide inputs in Bhutan (active ingredients) 1984/85 to 1998/99. Please note
that up to 1989/90 farmers bought herbicides directly from the suppliers. Actual
herbicide inputs up to 1989/90 are therefore higher than presented. Herbicides have
never been subsidized.
Pesticide procurement and supply in Bhutan
NPPC is entrusted with the responsibility of procuring and supplying pesticides. In the past,
DAOs were carrying out the task. As a result, all types of pesticides irrespective of their nature
of persistence, toxicity to humans, natural fauna and aquatic life were procured and used.
Past system of procurement and supply
Extension agents submitted demands to DAOs on adhoc basis. DAOs compiled and sent it to
Plant Protection Centre. Compilation of indent from all Dzongkhags and institutions were done
at the PP centre. Quotation was called for various pesticides and consequently they were
supplied as per the indent.
Problem:
1. No proper record keeping as to where all the pesticides had been used.
2. Misuse or abuse of pesticides due to free-of-cost supply.
3. Accumulation of outdated pesticides.
4. Many highly toxic and persistent chemicals were procured.
5. Most of the pesticides remained in stores at Dzongkhag Head quarters without being used
where they were necessary.
Out of the various chemicals procured and used in the country, the following chemicals, for their
toxic nature and other unfavourable properties have been stopped for use.
1. Aldrin
2. Aluminium Phosphide
3. BHC
4. Captafol
5. Carbofuran
6. Ekalux
7. Agallol
8. Methyl Parathion
9. Red Lead
10. Thimet
11. Temik
Present system of procurement and supply
Procurement
Extension Agents collect a rational demand from farmers and put it up to the DAO. DAOs
forward the demand after careful scrutiny keeping in view the pricing policy and cash-and-carry
system.
Demands are compiled at the NPPC. Quotations are called from dealers of manufacturing
companies in India, through advertisement in Kuensel ensuring fair participation and stiff
competition. Freshly prepared materials of appropriate pack size are procured and supplied.
Distribution:
Most of the pesticides except herbicides are distributed from NPPC store to Dzongkhag Head
Quarter for the quantity for which the amount was paid in advance. However, under certain
situations supplies are made on credit.
Herbicides like Butachlor, Sencor, NC311, Mogeton, Sanbird are sold through the Commision
Agents.
Advantages:
1. No accumulation of waste
2. Fresh stock available
3. Quantity supplied went down
4. No misuse as subsidy has been removed
5. Less environmental pollution
6. Low risk to applicator
7. Chemical is cheaper.
8. No outstanding with Dzongkhags
9. Suitable pack size for small holders.
Sometimes due to financial implications, Extension agents do not put up the indent for
pesticides. As a result, when pest outbreak occurs, crop is already damaged before the chemical
reaches from NPPC. Limited choice of chemicals as the range has been narrowed down.(e.g. soil
insecticides).
Changes: With the introduction of the pricing policy since 1990, demand seems to have
drastically reduced for all pesticides except herbicides. The demand for herbicides, especially
Butachlor, has gone up tremendously.
Sustainability: NPPC has a revolving fund of Nu.5 million. Half of this amount is invested in
fixed deposit and the interest accrued thereby strengthens the revolving fund and make it
sustainable.
Limitations: For practical reasons, chemicals could be bought from India only. As a result,
many of the popularly used pesticides elsewhere are not available.
Exceptions:- Japanese herbicide through KR-II grant; Prochloraz - seed treatment chemical for
Druk Seed Corporation from Germany;Japanese fungicide for blast control.
Pesticides available in Bhutan1
I. INSECTICIDES
Pack Size
Rate per unit
1
Sl. No
Chlorpyrifos 20 EC
Products
100 ml
19.00
2
Cypermethrin 10 EC
100 ml
22.00
3
Dimethoate 30 EC
100 ml
25.00
4
Malathion 50 EC
100 ml
18.00
5
Malathion 5 D
5 kg
125.00
6
Fenvalerate 0.04 D
1 kg
19.00
7
K- Obiol 2.5 WP
1 kg
1246.00
8
Bacillus thuringiensis
100 gm
108.00
II. FUNGICIDES
Pack Size
Rate per unit
1
Sl. No
Captan 50 WP
Products
500 gm
177.00
2
Carbendazim 50 WP
500 gm
240.00
3
Copper Oxychloride 50 WP
500 gm
78.00
4
Mancozeb 75 WP
500 gm
95.00
5
Ediphenphos 50 EC
1 lt.
150.00
6
Isoprothiolane (Fugi-one)
500 gm
150.00
7
Probenazole 8 GR (oryzernate)
8
Kasurabcide 71.2 WP (Kasugamycin)
9
Pyroquilon 5 G (Coratop)
3 kg
38.00
10
Tridemorph 80 EC
100 ml
110.00
11
Hexaconazole 5 EC
100 ml
69.00
12
Blasticidin 1 EC
500 ml
150.00
13
Kitazin 48 EC
500 ml
150.00
14
Copper Sulphate
500 gm
41.00
15
Ridomil 72 WP
100 gm
158.00
16
Calcium Hydroxide
500 gm
94.00
17
Carboxin 75 WP
25 kg
37,485.00
18
Baycor
100 gm
201.00
Pack Size
Rate per unit
3 kg
38.00
500 gm
150.00
III. HERBICIDES
Sl. No
Products
1
Glyphosate 41 EC
1 lt.
281.00
2
Oxyflourfen 23.5 EC
1 lt.
1365.00
3
Metribuzin 70 WP
100 gm
200.00
Pack Size
Rate per unit
10 gm
6.00
Pack Size
Rate per unit
1 lt.
674.00
IV. RODENTICIDES
Sl. No
1
Products
Zinc Phosphide 80W/W
V. ACARICIDES
Sl. No
1
Products
Danitol 1 EC
VI. NON-TOXIC
Pack Size
Rate per unit
1
Sl. No
Sandovit (sticker)
1 lt.
135.00
2
Linseed oil
2 lt.
99.00
3
Tree spray oil (TSO)
210 lt.
69.00/lt.
4
Protein hydrolysate
100 gm
104.00
1
Products
From the website of the Ministry of Agriculture. www.moa.gov.bt