Kathmandu, April 24 – An alarming level of pesticide residue has been discovered in fresh vegetables at Kalimati, Nepal’s largest vegetable market, raising concerns about public health and agricultural practices.
The Pesticide Residue Rapid Analysis Unit at Kalimati conducted tests on samples from various regions, revealing that several vegetables contained pesticide levels exceeding safe consumption limits. Among the 15 types of vegetables tested on Tuesday, sponge gourd (ghiraula) from Dhading had the highest organophosphate pesticide residue level at 53.935%, rendering it unfit for consumption. Authorities destroyed the remaining stock under police supervision.
Yardlong beans (ghiusimi), also from Dhading, were found to have pesticide residues at 39.69%. The Kalimati Market Committee has suspended their sale, pending retesting to determine if they become safe for consumption over time. Similarly, tomatoes imported from India were found with a residue level of 42.995% and were withheld from sale under the same conditions.
Director of the Kalimati Market Committee, Binay Shrestha, emphasized the need for stricter monitoring, stating, “These vegetables pose a significant risk if consumed without proper verification. We are working to ensure that only safe produce reaches consumers.”
Between April 14 and 21, 145 vegetable samples were tested at Kalimati Market, with one being classified as unsafe and three deemed consumable only after further testing. As per standards, pesticide levels below 35% are safe for consumption, levels between 35% and 45% are consumable after a waiting period, and levels above 45% are strictly unfit for consumption.
Dr. Shanta Karki, head of the Central Agricultural Laboratory, highlighted a critical issue in farming practices: “Farmers are failing to observe the mandatory waiting period after pesticide application before sending their produce to market. This leads to unsafe levels of pesticide residue in vegetables.”
The committee has urged farmers to follow proper pesticide application guidelines and has called for enhanced awareness campaigns to address the misuse of chemicals in agriculture. Consumers are also advised to thoroughly clean vegetables and wait for official clearance before consumption.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, farmers, and consumers alike to prioritize sustainable and safe agricultural practices to protect public health and ensure the availability of uncontaminated food in the market.
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