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The fresh fruits and vegetables which are supplied in Kathmandu have their origin from Kathmandu valley, districts of Terai and also from neighbouring countries like India,
Bhutan and China (Tibet). There is excessive use of agrochemical particularly pesticides, which leaves residues in the food products and leads to the contamination of soil,
water and environment and to the public health with the long-term toxic effects. Availability of quality and safe food directly improve the health of public and help in
eradicating the poverty.
The present situation urgently demands the implementation of advanced and fit-for-purpose analytical procedures for accurate monitoring of pesticides in food and drinking
water. Due to lack of pesticide residue monitoring programme, Nepal is facing problem in exporting honey and orthodox tea in countries as Norway and Germany respectively.
ENPHO established in 1990 is the leading organization in Nepal concerned with public health issues and environmental monitoring. The project aims at supporting ENPHO
to introduce methods for assessment of the daily pesticide burden of the citizens of Kathmandu. The role of BOKU is to transfer the analytical knowledge. The analytical
staff of the ENPHO and TU students will receive tailored trainings in pesticide analysis covering advanced analytical techniques and quality assurance. The project will
support the local institutions ENPHO and TU to improve urban living conditions by education. The educational programs of ENPHO and TU will especially address to the female population of
Kathmandu, mainly responsible for purchasing foodstuff and the management of home gardens. This will be an important step in enabling the community to become eco-friendly.
Further aims of the project:
• Handbook of methodology in food science, based on European food law, food technology and quality management
• Reports and publications from the ENPHO and the project teams
• Expected response from local politicians
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