TNAU to set up labs to analyze toxic residues on vegetables

Tamil Nadu Agriculture University is going to set up a Pesticide Testing
Laboratories to analyze toxic residues on vegetables. TNAU will be
setting up these laboratories at Madurai and Kilikulam colleges. This
was informed by Dr Murugesa Bhoopathi during a function of `Farm
School on All India Radio'. Dr Bhoopathi informed that chemical
pesticides are extensively used on vegetables. Average application of
pesticides on vegetables ranges 12-15 sprays. So, chances of toxic
residues on vegetables stand higher. Demand for vegetables is set to
rise in years to come, which will touch 170 million tonnes by 2025,
which at present is just 109 million tonnes. So, improved IPM practices
are vital to meeting increased demand. Interestingly, vegetables occupy
just 2 percent of country's cultivated area, where as consumption of
pesticide on vegetables is 13-14% of total usage in the country. Dr
Bhoopathi emphasized on usage of bio-pesticides and IPM, so as to reduce
toxic hazards to minimum.

Thehindu.com