Gujarat’s agriculture department has advised people not to consume vegetables without washing them thoroughly with clean water, as they may contain harmful pesticide residues that cannot be easily removed.
The department has stated that vegetables may contain substances that are harmful to health and therefore should be consumed with caution.
Farmers in the state have also been informed by the director of agriculture that pesticides remain in agricultural produce even after harvesting and until it is consumed.
To prevent these residues, the department has issued control measures stating that pesticides remain in the atmosphere for a long time due to their slow decomposition process, or they dissolve in fat and accumulate in the body through the process of biomagnification.
Farming directions while using pesticides
The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) has recommended measures regarding the use of pesticides in crops, including vegetables, fruits and spice crops.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have set maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticide residues in vegetables, fruits, grains etc. If the residue level is higher than the MRL, it can be harmful.
If possible, fast-degrading agrochemicals such as Emamectin benzoate, Spinosad, Indoxacarb, and Novaluron should be used.
The use of integrated pest management (IPM) will reduce the use of pesticides, which can help reduce pesticide residues.
Household directions
Insufficient care while using pesticides to control mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, ants and rats, among other pests at home, can lead to chemicals entering grains, water, flour, etc and their residues may enter our bodies, causing various diseases.
When controlling such insects, water vessels, cereal storages, grain heaps, etc. should be covered with cloth or plastic before spraying pesticides.
If the grain is found to be moist, it should be dried in the sun before use and should be stored in airtight containers.