Testing for pesticide residues in vegetables

Vegetables cultivated in Kerala have been found safe for consumption according to the latest test reports from Pesticide residue testing laboratory at Vellayani under Kerala agricultural University (KAU).

The reports based on tests conducted on samples collected from farmers’ fields in various districts during the first half of 2014 says 99 per cent of the vegetables cultivated by Kerala farmers are safe to eat as they do not contain any hazardous chemicals.

Exceptions

The only exception was some of the vegetables produced in some areas of Thiruvananthapuaram District as some samples of amaranthus, chilli, bittergourd, snakegourd and cowpea contained pesticide residues above permitted levels.

Notably, the vegetable samples collected from Kasargod and Idukki, the districts once under the scanner for alleged indiscreet use of chemicals, have been found to contain no pesticide residues at all.

Dr.Thomas Biju Mathew, under whose supervision the testing procedure took place, says “the main pesticides found in these vegetable samples were chloreperifos and cunalfos.”

After the testing process and analysis of results farmers were advised to avoid indiscreet use of pesticides and insecticides and stick to scientific practices for effective pest and disease management.

Positive development

The latest results vindicate the after effect of farmers adhering to the advice.

Vice-Chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University, Dr.P.Rajendran attributed the positive development to increased public awareness on the need to produce, buy and eat safe food.

“The persistent efforts of our pesticide residue lab and publication of test results have made the producers and buyers more and more conscious about the importance of safe food and need to adhere to scientific practices,” he says.

KAU’s lab also offers free testing of vegetables produced by farmers.

They only have to bring one kg each of the vegetables packed in materials other than plastic along with a certificate from the agricultural officer of the krishibhavan..

Farmers can contact Dr.Thomas Biju Mathew, email: biju.mathew@kau.in, phone: 04712588167.

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/testing-for-pesticide-residues-in-vegetables/article6764402.ece