'Extremely serious': 58 of 1,262 food samples in Kerala found with excessive pesticide residues

Kerala Agriculture Minister T Siddique on Monday said excessive pesticide residues and toxic substances were detected in 58 of the 1,262 food samples tested at official laboratories in the state.

Siddique said the samples were tested at Agriculture Department laboratories, including those at Vellayani and Mannuthy.

"When 1,262 food samples were tested in official labs across Kerala, including Vellayani and Mannuthy, excessive traces of pesticide residues and toxic substances were found in 58 of them. This means when we buy vegetables from a shop, we are essentially buying toxic substances for our family members. It is extremely serious," he said.

Kerala to promote organic vegetable farming

The minister said the findings had prompted the government to focus on promoting organic vegetable farming and encouraging households to grow produce on their own land.

"There are two aspects to this: one is taking steps to promote organic vegetable farming, and the second is cultivating a culture where every household transitions to farming on their own land. That is a serious matter, and the government is moving towards it. That is why the 'Kathir' project was formulated," he said.

Under the Kathir project, farming activities will be introduced in 500 schools this year. Each school will receive Rs 10,000 from the Agriculture Department, while students will receive training and Kathir clubs will be formed.

Kathir clubs may bring academic benefits

Siddique said the project would have a nodal teacher and a backup committee, while Kathir markets with supporting facilities would also be established.

"We will reconnect the youth through this lost institution. Next year, Kathir clubs will be operational in all schools across Kerala," he said.

The government is also considering giving weightage marks to students who take part in agricultural activities through Kathir clubs.

"The government is considering granting weightage marks to students who engage in agricultural activities through Kathir clubs," he said.

2,000 vegetable markets planned for Onam

Siddique said 2,000 vegetable markets would be opened across Kerala during the Onam season under the Agriculture Department, with the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) and Horticorp overseeing the initiative.

A special Onam market will also be set up in Thiruvananthapuram. The minister said the Agriculture Department has allocated Rs 10.5 crore to help control price rises, with the funds already disbursed.

Women farmers, AIF scheme also in focus

At a state conclave on the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Siddique announced a special scheme called 'Vanitha Sakhi' for women farmers.

The minister said Kerala had been allocated Rs 2,520 crore under the AIF since its launch in 2020, of which Rs 1,734 crore has been utilised. The fund supports areas including post-harvest management, processing, packaging, marketing and exports.

He said the government would also work with the Cooperation Department on measures to support farmers affected by climate-related challenges such as floods and droughts.