KATHMANDU: The government has rolled back its decision to test Indian fruits and vegetables for pesticides at the border points.
The decision was taken as Nepal lacks adequate equipment and human resources at the border points to check pesticides, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Matrika Yadav said.
The government had started testing Indian fruits and vegetables for pesticides from the third week of June.
But the move to ensure imports of quality foods has created problems during implementation. Vegetables and fruits can be currently tested for pesticides only at Kalimati and Hariwan of Sarlahi. Importers, therefore, have to bring the samples to Kathmandu to get clearance for lack of laboratories at the border points.
The Indian side had been complaining that vegetables and fruits rot due to the time taken for tests.
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