KATHMANDU: India has taken exception to testing of Indian fruits and vegetables for pesticides at the border.
Writing a letter to top government officials of the Nepal government, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has expressed concerns over the checking. “We have put our views in writing with the top Nepal government officials over the testing of fruits and vegetables,” said Abhishek Dubey, spokesperson of Indian Embassy.
“India has problems on two aspects about the inspection. The first is vegetables and fruits rot due to the time taken for tests as Nepal lacks adequate equipment and human resources at the border points. The second is the reciprocity that it feels Nepal should not check Indian products for pesticides when India does not do so for Nepali fruits and vegetables imported by India,” added Dubey.
The Nepal government has yet to reply to India on whether tests will be continued. “We are holding discussions with the finance and agriculture ministries about the matter. But no decision has been taken yet,” said Shobhakant Paudel, joint secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. He, however, claimed ignorance about the letter sent by the Indian Embassy.
Speaking at a program on Wednesday Finance Secretary Rajan Khanal had said the government is mulling to halt imports of fresh vegetables at the border. He had stated that the problem was due to lack of coordination among government bodies, and assured that it will be resolved by Thursday.
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.
Indian side complains that vegetables and fruits rot due to the time taken for tests. Around 40 percent of the fruits and vegetables currently coming to Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market come from India.
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