Why the ‘Khapra Beetle’ Found in Coriander Imports from China Is Such a Threat
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Nearly 30 tons of coriander imported from China via the Tatopani border have been found to contain residues of the Khapra beetle approximately two months ago.
The Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre under the Ministry of Agriculture has informed that certain import conditions have been set with Chinese authorities. Among these, there is a requirement to be free from pest organisms and other essential documents remain incomplete.
These insects, if entering the country, are identified as pest organisms that can cause damage to biodiversity and the agricultural sector.
Import conditions are determined based on risk analysis of such pests, after which the country’s competent authority issues a certificate permitting entry into Nepal.
What is the Khapra Beetle?
The Khapra beetle is an insect belonging to the beetle family and is native to the South Asian region, but according to senior crop protection officer Roshan Adhikari at the center, it has not yet established itself in Nepal.
Scientifically named Trogoderma granarium, this insect is considered an extremely dangerous pest.
“Once the Khapra beetle gains entry, it can infect stored grains such as rice, maize, and wheat,” he added.
Internationally, it is regarded as an invasive species. Since this beetle can survive in a dormant state for a long time without food or water, it is very difficult to control.
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“Therefore, samples are tested to ensure there is no risk of pest contamination in imported grains. Only after passing these tests is import permit granted,” Mr. Adhikari explained.
Residues of the beetle can also be found in bags and containers, not only in the grains themselves.
“Even small lapses can cause significant damage, so we remain vigilant,” he added.
This pest poses a danger of widespread damage in storage managed by both commercial enterprises and farmers.
Past Experiences and Lessons
Entomologist Dr. Resham Bahadur Thapa has advised taking strict precautions to prevent the entry of the Khapra beetle.
“Our studies found this pest in some locations, but it is not widespread in Nepal. If it enters, it poses a grave threat to our grain reserves,” Dr. Thapa said. “It could cause outbreaks similar to those seen during the coronavirus pandemic.”
He recalled the severe damage caused by the fall armyworm that entered from the United States in 2019.
Farmers in various regions reported destruction of maize crops due to the fall armyworm outbreak.
The American fall armyworm also affected other cereal crops besides maize.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, pests like the tomato leaf miner first observed after the 2015 earthquake and the 2019 fall armyworm caused significant damage.
Such quarantine pests threaten both biological security and food safety.
Strict control is necessary to prevent the entry and spread of such insects through international trade of plants and plant products.
“Invasive pest species also harm biodiversity,” said former center chief Dilliram Sharma.
Measures to Prevent Entry
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The Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre has established quarantine offices at 15 border points across the country including Tribhuvan International Airport.
These offices include those situated at the Tatopani border in Sindhupalchok, Timure in Rasuwa, and Lomanthang in Mustang, which are connected to China.
“The center conducts a risk assessment to establish import conditions and issues entry permits. The exporting country issues a phytosanitary certificate for each consignment,” said senior crop protection officer Roshan Adhikari.
“Importers must submit detailed information about the goods into the system and to the center. Samples are then tested, and only after passing these tests may the goods enter the country.”
If there is suspicion, additional testing can be conducted. Laboratories are available in Kathmandu, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj for this purpose.
The center recently established certain pest-free import conditions for mangoes imported from India and China.
“New diseases were also detected in avocados imported from Uganda.”
A list of quarantine pests has also been published in the official gazette, and conditions for importing organisms not listed are determined based on risk assessments.
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