Kathmandu, July 7

Lawmakers in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives criticised the government for its decision not to lab-test imported vegetables and fruits for pesticides.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Gagan Kumar Thapa said the government took the decision because it was scared that India might impose restrictions on imports of Nepali cardamom and ginger in the Indian market.

“Is this the prime minister’s nationalistic approach?” questioned Thapa.

NC Chief Whip Bal Krishna Khand said the government was compromising with the health of the public by deciding not to lab-test imported fruits and vegetables.

He also criticised the government for backtracking from its decision of restricting the import of pesticide-laced vegetables.

“The government bowed down to foreign power,” he said, adding that the line ministry should immediately present the rationale behind the government’s decision to the Parliament.

NC Lawmaker Atahar Kamal Musalman said Nepali people were forced to consume pesticide-laced fruits and vegetables because the government was acting as per the direction of foreigners.

Nepal Workers and Peasants’ Party lawmaker Prem Suwal said the government had published its decision in the Nepal Gazzatte of making it mandatory to lab-test imported fruits and vegetables for pesticides.

“It is said that the government backtracked from its decision under the pressure of the Indian embassy. I request the government to clarify this issue,” he demanded.