High pesticide found in mustard greens, orders to destroy it

Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: Residues of pesticides have been found in mustard greens imported from Bhaktapur during a routine pesticide test conducted at the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market in Kathmandu.

As per the test report released by the Central Agricultural Laboratory, Pesticide Residue Rapid Analysis Laboratory Unit under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development on June 29, the samples were categorised as ‘to be disposed’ as 80.0160 per cent was found in mustard vegetables imported from Bhaktapur of Madhyapur Thimi municipality.

According to the report, the model was the product of farmer Sita Regmi and it was decided to destroy it after it was found unfit for consumption during a test in Kalimati. The laboratory had tested pesticides on 12 vegetable samples today. The samples tested included mustard greens, green onions, niguro, cucumber, green coriander, cucumber and tomatoes.

The remaining 11 samples tested were within the safe limit for consumption, according to the laboratory. The quantity of pesticides in these samples was below the set standard, so it has been deemed suitable for sale and consumption in the market.

The laboratory categorizes vegetables into three categories on the basis of pesticide residues. Vegetables with less than 35 percent pesticide residues are considered consumable. If 35 to 45 per cent pesticides are found, they are kept in quarantine for a few days and then tested again. If more than 45 percent of the pesticides are found, such vegetables should be disposed of and destroyed.