Produce brought by farmers to Oddanchatram market to be tested; awareness campaign on production of high quality vegetables ro be created among farmers.
After reports of pesticide residue in vegetables supplied to Kerala, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to test vegetables brought by farmers to Oddanchatram wholesale market, the second biggest market in the State, and issue quality and food safety certification before sending them to Kerala.
To begin with, names of all transporters and wholesale vegetables traders would be registered under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. Licence would be given to farmers and traders by the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration, officials here said.
All vegetable traders, retailers and farmers attached with Oddanchatram market would be brought under the legal framework. A record will be maintained to monitor supply of vegetables to the market from various villages.
Name and place of farmer, name and quantum of vegetables brought by him will be noted down in the record for a follow-up.
“Random samples of vegetables bought from farmers will be sent to Madurai lab for testing. If vegetables have high pesticide residue level, such farmers will be advised to scale down its use and go for organic manure. Agriculture and Horticulture officials will coordinate with Food Safety officials in this connection,” says T. Sam Elango, Designated Officer for Food Safety.
An awareness campaign on production of high quality vegetables will be created among farmers.
After checking the quality of vegetables, food safety certification will be issued.
Meanwhile, agriculture officials will monitor fertilizer shops about quantum of sale in all areas to monitor fertiliser use, he adds.
“Our prime aim is to allay fears of buyers in Kerala. We have launched a special drive in this connection. A special meeting with traders, transporters and retailers had been conducted in Oddanchatram and all agreed to cooperate.”
Kerala had given time till September 4 to bring vegetables with permissible toxic levels. Besides banning vegetables having pesticides, Kerala has made it mandatory for vegetable and fruit traders from other States to register and get a licence. Vehicles carrying fruits and vegetables from other States too should register as per the Food Safety Act.
A total ban on vegetables from Oddanchatram will leave at least 10,000 persons, including farmers, traders, transporters, load men, drivers and helpers jobless.
The Oddanchatram market was handling up to 500 tonnes of vegetable every day, traders said.
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