KATHMANDU, July 8: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Matrika Prasad Yadav on Monday admitted that the government backtracked on its decision to conduct pesticide residue tests on fruits and vegetables imported from India and third countries due to lack of modern labs at the customs points.

Speaking at a session of the National Assembly, Minister Yadav said, "We decided not to conduct pesticide residue tests on imported fruits and vegetables from India and third countries for the time being as we don't have well-equipped labs at the customs points currently."  

Responding to queries raised by parliamentarians, Yadav said that only the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control in Kathmandu has a well-equipped lab to conduct the pesticide residue tests on imported fruits and vegetables. " Even the agriculture ministry lacks the advanced technology to conduct the pesticide residue tests," he said.

On a separate note, Yadav claimed that the government is working hard to establish more industries, enhance production and reduce the import of goods from foreign countries.

 
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