Several nations ban import of pesticide-laced items: HC told

NEW DELHI: Many countries have banned the import of vegetables and fruits from India due to the excessive use of pesticides, Delhi High Court was told today.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw was also informed through a report submitted by amicus curiae, appointed by the court, that in a number of vegetables and edible items, pesticide residue was found to be beyond permissible limits.

The report further said that despite an excessive use of pesticides in edibles sold across Delhi, little has been done to curb the menace. It also said the problem was not limited only to Delhi but a "pan-India" one.

"A large quantity of vegetables and fruits sold in the national capital contain dangerous pesticides that can cause serious health problems," the report said.

It quoted reports as saying that due to excessive usage of pesticides in fruits and vegetable here, "various countries have banned the import of Indian vegetables and fruits and many more are under scrutiny".

As per the reports, European Union temporarily banned the import of famous Alphonso mangoes, brinjal, taro plant, bitter gourd and snake gourd, it added.

The report further said that Saudi Arabia has also banned green chillies from India due to excessive pesticide residue.

Amicus curiae gave his report after the court on January 7 slammed the Agriculture Ministry for placing a "vague" report on its website regarding the extent of pesticides in fruits and vegetables, and asked him to place his research report before the court.

It also asked the ministry to file a detailed report regarding the steps taken by it to regulate use of pesticides in vegetables and fruits. However, the ministry did not file their report.