Dalle Khursani Found With High Pesticide Levels at Kalimati Market

Kathmandu. Excessive pesticide has been found in Dalle Khursani brought for sale at Kalimati vegetable market. The Central Agriculture Laboratory, Pesticide Residue Rapid Analysis Laboratory Unit, Kalimati, found a high amount of pesticide, considered risky for human health, in Dalle Khursani during testing. According to the test report issued by the laboratory on Bhadra 22, the Dalle Khursani brought to Kalimati market through seller Deepak Ratan Shakya from Indrasarovar Rural Municipality of Makwanpur contained up to 2.3476 percent carbamate and 40.5805 percent of organophosphate group pesticide. According to the laboratory's standard, food items with pesticide levels ranging from 35 percent to 45 percent are considered immediately unfit for consumption. This means such vegetables or food items need to be kept safely for a few days before use to reduce the effect of pesticides. The laboratory has categorized this Dalle Khursani in the 'keep for a few days and wait' category. Samples of 9 other vegetables (such as greens, onions, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower, pointed gourd, okra, and pumpkin) were found to have pesticide levels below 35 percent and were deemed fit for consumption. The market tests for carbamate and organophosphate group pesticides. Pesticides of this type are considered fit for consumption below 35 percent, can be consumed after keeping for a few days if between 35 to 45 percent, and unfit for consumption above 45 percent.