Pesticide levels in vegetables within limit

By Samuel Kutty — MUSCAT: April 25 - The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries on Tuesday ruled out the presence of more than the permissible levels of pesticides in fruits and vegetables exported from Oman. “Experts have analysed more than 1,600 samples from different commercial farms in specialised laboratories. They have issued certificates for pesticide residue analysis which prove that 98 per cent of the samples are in confirmation with the internationally permissible limit,” the ministry clarified in a statement.

The clarification follows reports that the UAE government has banned the import of certain fruits and vegetables from five countries in the Middle East, including Oman, over concerns about high levels of pesticides. The other countries are Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Yemen.

While Oman’s products include carrots and watercress, all varieties of pepper from Egypt; peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, squash, beans and aubergine from Jordan; and apples from Lebanon were banned by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

“Food monitoring in the Sultanate is working well. The measures taken by the ministry have led to positive results in limiting local products from exceeding the permissible limit of pesticides,” the ministry said. According to the statement, the Omani Government has an agreement with the UAE government which stipulates the need to attach a certificate of pesticide residues on a number of exported crops such as eggplants, watermelons, bell peppers, pumpkins, carrots, tomatoes and melons. This procedure has been in place so far. “The steps taken by the Omani Government along with other recent measures have shown positive results in limiting local products from exceeding the permissible limit of pesticides,” the statement said.

At the same time, the agricultural ministry statement said it does happen sometimes that some farmers and agents export and re-export agricultural products without prior analysis. When brought to the notice, remedial and corrective measures are taken immediately, the statement affirmed. “The Ministry is following up on the issue with the UAE government. The situation is being closely monitored with regular checks in farms and samples being taken to laboratories for checks,” the statement said. The Sultanate has introduced several measures to improve food security with large investments in agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture and sea fishing. As the country is increasing food production targets, new technologies and farming systems look set to play a crucial role in complementing traditional production techniques. The measures include the formation of a ministerial food security committee, establishment of the Public Authority for Stores and Food Reserve, monitoring the price movement, and making available food during exceptional conditions.