With increasing reports of pesticide-laden vegetables and fruits entering the food markets in Kerala, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has decided to set up a new authority under the Food Safety Commissioner to ensure that all safety standards are met.This decision was taken after several complaints were lodged against pesticide-laden vegetables and fruits coming from neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. "Strict prosecution measures would be taken against those who indulge in the sale of adulterated vegetables and fruits. A new authority with members from various departments would be formed to monitor this," said Chandy.Every day about 400 trucks loaded with vegetables and fruits reach Kerala from the three neighbouring states. "It's become quite common that producers from our neighbouring states apply pesticides to increase the shelf life of vegetables that are sent to the food markets in Kerala," informed Lal Kalpakavadi, Chairman of the state-owned Horticorp, one of the the major procurement agencies of vegetables in the state.
"Scientific studies have also proved that this deadly practice is one of the major reasons behind the increasing incidence of cancer in our state," said Kalpakavadi adding that Kerala produces less than 40 per cent of its needs.In order to prevent further damage, leading political parties such as the Congress and the CPI-M have decided actively campaign for the setting up of kitchen gardens in every household in Kerala."We are holding a three-day event later this month in Thiruvananthapuram and at Alappuzha to promote the importance of taking up agriculture activities, especially to produce vegetables for our needs. The incidence of cancer in our state has gone up and through this we expect to reduce the risk of this health hazard," said CPI-M state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan.
"Scientific studies have also proved that this deadly practice is one of the major reasons behind the increasing incidence of cancer in our state," said Kalpakavadi adding that Kerala produces less than 40 per cent of its needs.In order to prevent further damage, leading political parties such as the Congress and the CPI-M have decided actively campaign for the setting up of kitchen gardens in every household in Kerala."We are holding a three-day event later this month in Thiruvananthapuram and at Alappuzha to promote the importance of taking up agriculture activities, especially to produce vegetables for our needs. The incidence of cancer in our state has gone up and through this we expect to reduce the risk of this health hazard," said CPI-M state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan.
Advertisement