(a) whether the Government has received any complaints regarding
over presence of pesticide residue in vegetables and fruits in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the remedial action taken by
the Government in this regard;
(c) whether the Government is conducting routine sample testings
of different items of vegetables and fruits to check the presence of
the prescribed limit of pesticides in them; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS(SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): There have been reports in the media regarding presence of
pesticide residue in vegetables and fruits above the maximum permissible limit.
Government of India is promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through Farmers
Field Schools focusing on safe, judicious and need based use of approved pesticides.
(c) & (d): Government of India is implementing a Central Sector Scheme
“Monitoring of Pesticide Residues at National Level†under which samples of
various food commodities including vegetables and fruits are analyzed for the
presence of pesticide residues. During the period April, 2007 to March, 2010,
14,725 samples of fruits and vegetables were analyzed, of which 313 samples
(2.1%) had pesticide residues above Maximum Residue Limit prescribed under
Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954.