Chandigarh, 25 September:- Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana said that the state government has taken a major step in the interest of horticulture farmers. He said that the state government is continuously working to increase farmers' income, improve the quality of their produce and ensure food safety for the general public.
Shyam Singh Rana said that Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had announced that a free testing facility for analysis of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables would be provided to horticulture farmers in the state. This step has now been taken in compliance with the same announcement.
The Agriculture Minister clarified that this facility is being provided at the Quality Testing Laboratories of the Horticulture Department, Haryana, at Sirsa and Gharaunda (Karnal). In these laboratories, accredited by NABL, farmers can get their horticultural produce, soil and water samples tested free of cost. The laboratory carries out accurate analysis of residues of a total of 10 major pesticides (Metribuzin, Metalaxyl, Chlorpyrifos, Dicofol, Pendimethalin, Penconazole, Profenofos, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, Permethrin and Deltamethrin) using state-of-the-art techniques.
Shyam Singh Rana urged the farmers of the state to make maximum use of this facility and said that, for applying for testing, farmers will have to submit details of their 'Meri Fasal-Mera Byora' registration, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card or Voter ID as proof of identity, and their mobile number or email ID at the laboratory. For the process of sample collection and documentation, farmers can contact the office of their concerned District Horticulture Officer. The main objective of this scheme is to ensure that horticulture farmers can understand the proper use of pesticides in their produce and bring improvement in quality and food safety.
