Only 3.1% of Fruit and Vegetable Samples Exceed Pesticide Limits, Government Reports

New Delhi, August 12: The government informed Parliament that over the past three years, 70,652 samples of fruits and vegetables were tested across 23 states and union territories. Of these, only 3.1% of the samples contained pesticide residues exceeding the ‘Maximum Residue Limit’ (MRL) set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the department has been running a national project since 2005-06 to monitor pesticide residue levels in agricultural products.

In response to a question in Parliament, Chouhan explained that samples are collected from 40 laboratories under this project. The test reports are shared with the agricultural departments of states and union territories to help raise awareness among farmers about the safe and proper use of pesticides through training programs.

The government has also launched the ‘National Pest Surveillance System’ (NPSS), a digital platform that includes a mobile app and web portal. This system provides real-time access to pest identification, monitoring, and expert advice. According to the minister, it recommends the use of pesticides approved by the registration committee only when necessary and in the prescribed amounts.

The Ministry of Agriculture is conducting awareness and capacity-building programs through its 48 ‘Central Integrated Pest Management Centers’ (CIPMC) and ‘Locust-Cum-Central Integrated Pest Management Centers’ (LCIPMC).

Between 2021-22 and 2025-26, these centers organized 1,353 ‘Farmer Field School’ programs, benefiting 46,969 farmers. Additionally, 680 two-day human resource development programs reached 37,664 farmers, while 2,384 campaigns on the safe and proper use of pesticides engaged 76,702 farmers.

Chouhan noted that during this period, 2,548 seed treatment campaigns were conducted, benefiting 81,048 farmers.

The government is implementing several schemes to promote modern agricultural techniques and good agricultural practices. It has also launched the ‘Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture’ (MIDH) to support the overall development of the horticulture sector, which includes the production of fruits and vegetables.

Furthermore, 21 states have formed committees to enhance the monitoring of pesticide residues and the implementation of good agricultural practices and integrated pest management to reduce pesticide residues in agricultural products.