Russia: Siberian and Chinese growers abuse pesticides

Greenhouse vegetable growers near Novosibirsk exceed the rates of pesticides applied. In the region there are 14 companies where Chinese employees work, and all of them have violated the norms.

The checks revealed contamination of vegetables with pesticides; however, the rates of application are still lower than last year. Apart from the excessive rates of pesticides, in some greenhouses the pollution of topsoil and weed seed contamination have been detected, - said Inspector of Russian Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service in Novosibirsk Svetlana Garanina. According to the inspector, the liable organizations are to pay 70 000 rub (1400 Euro) fines and to reimburse 200 000 rubles (4000 Euro) to regional administrations.

In addition to the organizations with Chinese employees, there are 98 agricultural complexes with Russian workers, which also exceeded the use of pesticides.

It is noted that pesticides in vegetables are difficult to detect, as they break up in a month. Nevertheless, the Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service assured that the Chinese greenhouse vegetables do not endanger the health of Novosibirsk.

In our climate the greenhouse farming without pesticides is very difficult because of the harmful microflora. However, the limits of usage must not be exceeded. Besides, the seeds are not imported from China, they are purchased from local producers, - emphasized Svetlana Garanina.