Young Entomologist Champions Biological Pest Control in Chitwan, Nepal
Nisha Subedi, a young entomologist from Chitwan, is spearheading a campaign to promote biological pest control methods amidst concerns about chemical pesticide overuse in Nepal. Drawing from her M.Sc. research on the efficacy of fungi (Metarhizium rileyi) and parasitic wasps (Telenomus remus, Trichogramma Chilonis) against the Fall Armyworm, Subedi is educating farmers and students. Her work, which included proving new biological controls for Nepal, aims to foster safer, pesticide-free agricultural practices and address environmental and health crises caused by indiscriminate chemical use.
Nisha Subedi, a dedicated young entomologist based in Bharatpur, Chitwan, is actively leading a vital campaign to combat the escalating crisis of chemical pesticide overuse in Nepal's agricultural sector. Her initiative promotes biological pest management alternatives, offering a safer solution to the health and environmental risks posed by indiscriminate chemical spraying. Subedi, who holds an M.Sc. in Entomology from the Agriculture and Forestry University, translates her extensive academic research into practical, on-the-ground knowledge for farmers and students.Her postgraduate studies focused on proving the efficacy of biological fungi (Entomopathogenic Fungi) as a safe alternative to chemical pesticides, specifically targeting the Fall Armyworm. Collaborating with organizations like USAID and Virginia Tech, her research scientifically demonstrated that parasitic wasps (Telenomus remus, Trichogramma Chilonis) effectively manage Fall Armyworm eggs, while the fungus Metarhizium rileyi controls larvae. Significantly, Subedi's work marked the first scientific proof in Nepal of Metarhizium rileyi's effectiveness, a finding published in the Indian Journal of Entomology. Following her research, she participated in a second project phase aimed at mass-producing these biological agents and testing their effectiveness in farmers' maize fields. Currently, Subedi conducts free public awareness campaigns in Bharatpur, sharing her 'breakthrough' knowledge to inspire sustainable, pesticide-free agriculture and safeguard both human health and the environment.
