Pesticide Residues Found in 58 Kerala Food Samples, Government to Promote Organic Farming

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

The samples were tested at facilities including Vellayani and Mannuthy. Calling the findings “extremely serious”, Siddique said the government would take steps to promote organic vegetable farming and ensure safer food for consumers.