Samples of vegetables, fruits and spices collected from the open market during a six-month period from October 2021 to March 2022 revealed the presence of pesticide residues, Minister for Agriculture P. Prasad said on Thursday, underscoring the need to step up vigil in this regard.
Over 40% of the samples revealed the presence of residues, Mr. Prasad said, speaking at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists. While the issue is not confined to agrticultural produce imported from other States, the Agriculture Department has also brought it to the notice of neighbouring states, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, he said.
