Mixing pesticides, Cambodia.

Dangerous pesticides, unwanted by the rest of the world, are posing serious threats to Cambodian development targets.

Cambodia remains heavily reliant on rice production for food security. Pesticide use has increased rapidly in the past two decades endangering the sustainability of rice production itself as well as threateningpublic health, the environment, and, indirectly, the future of Cambodian rice export markets and the burgeoning tourism industry.

By some estimates developing countries' pesticide use doubled every ten years from 1945 to 1995. In 2000, global pesticide consumption reached 2.5 million tonnes in several hundred chemical formulations.

Use of Azodrin, (active ingredient: monocrotophos), is prohibited in the USA; however exports from US ports totalled over 500 tonnes in 1995 and 1996. Although banned, Azodrin is commonly found in Cambodian markets, labelled in Vietnamese.

Green vegetables and fish can contribute to Cambodian dietary diversification.

Fish provides 75% of Cambodians' animal protein.

The most commonly used pesticides in Cambodia are all WHO Class 1 chemicals, including methyl-parathion, much of which is produced in Thailand by Bayer with the trade name Folidol.

Pesticides have the psychological attraction of "modernity"; and are believed capable of solving any problems farmers might face.