Back in the farm: Searching for non-toxic greens, fruits

Perhaps this striving won't last long, for yours truly has a very short memory like many other fellow Nepali nationals.

Wondering what yours truly is talking about?

Well, he is talking about ways to avoid vegetables and fruits imported from across the border out of fear that most of them may contain chemicals harmful for human health. With the two-third majority KP Oli government allowing the virtually unhindered entry of vegetables and fruits from the southern neighbour by buckling under pressure and relaxing their testing for residues, the onus now is on the consumers themselves to protect their health. Yours truly feels pity that the government of a sovereign country has failed to do even what the Indian state of Sikkim has done by not allowing the entry of vegetables and fruits from outside. 

In these times, awareness of perils of consuming such freely-imported vegetables and fruits and exploration of healthy alternatives are a must to keep us healthy. 

Keeping this in mind, yours truly, along with some friends, has started looking for alternatives that can keep the kitchen stocked up with healthier alternatives, aware that Gundrukko and Sinkiko soup will not be enough if we are to shun the imports on health grounds. 

While exploring alternatives, yours truly landed upon a farm at Bhaktapur, on the banks of the Khasyangkhusung river. Comparing with the market rate, we found to our delight that the vegetables cost less there. During a conversation, the woman farmer there said they use pesticides in moderate quantities and push them into the market when they are safe for consumption. Given that it's really difficult to grow the greens without using pesticides, the safe option is to wait for certain days as prescribed before pushing them into the market.  

Yours truly, along with friends, bought greens like the cucumber, gourd sponge and horse beans at the rate of Rs 70 each and Rs 60. One suggestion: the farm owner should make it mandatory for buyers to bring their bags instead of selling plastic bags as part of measures to keep the environs clean, green and healthy.   

Let me conclude this piece thus: The Indian state is capable of protecting its farm interests, especially in weaker countries like Nepal where its citizens are selling its farm products without any let or hindrance. We are acutely aware that Indian pressure is a desperate bid to protect the interests of its unscrupulous farmers, who use pesticides with utter disregard for human health, and middlemen involved in vegetable trading, at the expense of Nepal and the Nepalis. 

This video report shows that many countries have imposed a ban on different Indian fruits and vegetables, citing use of pesticides above permissible limits. Do watch and polish your Nepali. 

Another video also accepts that Indian farmers use pesticides haphazardly while growing fruits and vegetables. The report alerts that consequences will be grave for India if other countries too start banning the import of those Indian fruits and vegetables that contain pesticides beyond permissible limits. It also appeals Indian farmers to focus not only on quantity, but also on quality of its farm products.    

While our government seems incapable of regulating the imports and protecting the health of its citizens, Indian officials are restricting the entry of tea and ginger grown in Nepal under different pretexts. In the long run, yours truly feels, the Indian act of making the government relax the regime on the import of greens and fruits into Nepal will tarnish India's image as the world's largest democracy. It may even go in the history as a criminal act perpetrated against the peoples of another country.  

The sooner the Indian state realises this, the better.