Vegetables in Kalimati inedible, filled with pesticides

Kathmandu, Mar.25: Unsafe levels of pesticide residues have been found in vegetables kept in the country's largest vegetable market, Kalimati. The Rapid Pesticides Residue Analysis (RPRA) Laboratory of Kalimati tested the vegetable samples and found high levels of unsafe pesticides.

According to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Board (KFVMDB), samples of 14 types of vegetables that arrived at Kalimati on Monday were tested and the pesticide called organophosphate was found to be 88.670 percent in broccoli from Bhaktapur. 

According to the committee, the remaining broccoli has been destroyed under the supervision of the police.

Similarly, the committee stated that broccoli from Bhaktapur was found to have been contaminated with unsafe amounts of pesticides on testing conducted last Monday as well. 

The committee has said that out of 130 vegetable samples tested from March 14-24, seven were found to contain inedible pesticides.

Nine varieties were found to have levels of pesticide that could only be eaten after waiting a few days, most of which were tomatoes. 

Green vegetables contain less than 35 percent pesticide whereas red vegetables contain more than 45 percent pesticide

Less than 35 percent of the pesticide content is considered edible, 35 to 45 percent is considered edible after a few days, and more than 45 percent is considered inedible.

Dr Shanta Karki, head of the Central Agricultural Laboratory said that high levels of pesticide residues were found because the vegetables were taken directly from the fields to the market without waiting for the waiting period (mandatory specified time) after spraying pesticides.