Nearly 94% of the samples of vegetables produced in Kerala and tested for poisonous residue in 2017 were found safe to eat. A statement issued by the Farm Information Bureau (FIB) said only 38 of the 543 samples tested at the Kerala Agricultural University laboratories were found to carry even “slight” traces of dangerous residues.
The press release claimed that the availability of safe-to-eat vegetables was the result of efforts by agencies led by the Department of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Horticorp, and Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK).
The government will now intensify efforts to make totally safe vegetables and fruits available in the State, the release said.
Pest surveillance group, pest scouts, and plant health clinic field assistants will be used more effectively as part of efforts to produce safe vegetables and fruits. More efforts will be made to control the use of pesticides.
A lack of awareness among farmers had led to a situation in which unduly strong pesticides were used. But the government has now made prescription compulsory for sale of pesticides in the State.
The State government has also taken steps to brand the rice that is produced in Kuttanad area under Good Agricultural Practices. Around ₹2 crore is being expended on the plan for Kuttanad rice producing area for the purpose.
