Nepal records high pesticide residue in vegetables
A month-long laboratory test conducted by Plant Protection Directorate (PPD) under the Ministry of Agricultural Development showed around 16 different vegetable items had more than 45 percent pesticide properties.
The government has asked vegetable producers to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
The PPD tested 187 items of vegetable products and most of the popular vegetables including Akbare pepper, bitter gourd, spinach, potato, tomato and green onion carry high amount of pesticides.
"Two types of pesticides - organophosphate and carbamate - were found being used excessively in majority of the vegetable items," said the report issued here Friday.
The Ministry of Agricultural Development said pesticide residue up to 45 percent is consumable while vegetables with higher pesticide residue are harmful to human health. The ministry has asked the consumers to remain alert.
"We are really sad to discover that country's farming has turned into chemical-based," Jay Mukunda Khanal, secretary of the ministry, told Xinhua.
He said that the government has decided to seize and destroy vegetables and other items if they are found with excessive pesticide residue.
"We have taken the tough decision so as to prevent consumers from possible health hazard they might face after consuming such harmful vegetables," he said.
The government decision is expected to hurt the ever-increasing vegetable business where more than 3,000 individuals are engaged directly. Kathmandu alone records a demand for vegetables worth more than 100,000 U.S. dollars a day.
Source: shanghaidaily.com
