An interesting bit of news has been doing new rounds for the last two days... With sensational titles ranging from '1/3rd of Capital's organic veggies have pesticide residue' to 'organic vegetables can containers pesticide', these reports are designed to create more panic than provide complete information.
The fault is largely with the producer/ farmer who for profit has blatantly disregarded rules or standards for organic products, but is also with the certifying agency which failed to ensure that all regulations and procedure were being followed. Retailers also fall in the tap of wanting to cater to all sorts of consumer demand- variety, quality and quantity; and raise the bar with producers. Once a demand has been created, producers want to fulfil it at any cost....add to that the media, who in order to make headlines matter also hype the article without all the details... That's what makes all the difference.
Throwing the baby out with the bath water will not help. Delhi's fresh produce is contaminated with pesticides - that is beyond doubt. Organic is the only way forward for our health, and the health of our soil; that is the truth. But an association representing the interest of chemical manufacturers telling the media that organically grown produce has MORE chemicals than conventionally grown fresh produce, is a little tough to believe.
To all those who believe in organic food & lifestyle; watch what you eat, talk to your suppliers & stores, try and get complete information from reliable sources. There are good and bad people everywhere... Don't judge an industry by a single incident. Your health is more important than sensational news; take care of it.
** Thanks Ayesha Grewal for responding to eSvasa's questions
** Links to the news articles are on:
Mail Online India: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2878397/Organic-v...
Mint: http://www.livemint.com/Politics/xjaapMpHaej0kqwGjk8mIK/RTI-query-reveals-pesticide-residues-in-organic-produce.html
Business Line: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/agri-biz/onethi...