The government has stopped testing of Indian fruits and vegetables for pesticides at the border for now.
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Matrika Yadav said decision has been made to allow entry of fruits and vegetables through the previous process as tests look difficult for now in lack of modern laboratories.
"There was problem of vegetables rotting at the border in lack of infrastructure. The cabinet has, therefore, taken decision to check the vegetables through the previous process for now and start to build laboratories as soon as possible," Yadav told Setopati.
India had earlier taken exception to testing of Indian fruits and vegetables for pesticides at the border.
Writing a letter to top government officials the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has expressed concern at the checking.
India had problem on two aspects about the inspection. The first was 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 was regarding reciprocity and it felt Nepal should not check Indian products for pesticides when India does not do so for Nepali fruits and vegetables imported by India.
The government had started testing Indian fruits and vegetables for pesticides from the third week of June. But the move started to ensure import 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, had to bring the samples to Kathmandu to get clearance in lack of laboratories at the border points.
India complained 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.
