Kathmandu: The inaugural session of the Agriculture, Cooperative, and Natural Resources Committee in the House of Representatives convened today, raising several pressing issues ranging from the use of pesticides in vegetables to the increasing problem of monkey menace.

Committee members emphasized the urgent need to boost domestic vegetable production and implement effective testing measures to detect pesticide residues in imported vegetables.

Based on the recommendations put forth by committee members, the meeting called on the government to launch initiatives aimed at promoting domestic vegetable cultivation and regulating the excessive use of insecticides. Amidst an ongoing economic crisis, the committee stressed the importance of achieving self-sufficiency in vegetable production within the country.

The meeting underscored the potential health risks associated with the overuse of pesticides in fruits and vegetables. It urged the government to conduct reliable testing procedures to identify the presence of harmful substances in imported produce during transit.

Committee members expressed concerns over the plight of farmers, who are struggling to secure essential resources such as irrigation facilities, fertilizers, quality seeds, and food supplies. They emphasized that without proper planning and vision, the government's goals of promoting domestic production and reducing imports would remain unattainable.

Furthermore, the meeting called on the government to prioritize efforts to address the growing issue of monkey menace, particularly in the mid-hills and western regions of the country.

The committee's session, chaired by the most senior member, Nawal Kishore Shah Sudi, included ex-officio members from relevant ministries. However, no ministers were present during today's meeting.