Kathmandu, July 14 -- Farmers on Saturday urged the government to continue checking imported vegetables and fruits for pesticide residues, saying that the move will safeguard consumers and help boost demand for domestic produce.

The government had made pesticide residue tests mandatory on all imported agriculture produce on June 17. However, on July 3, the Cabinet withdrew the government's earlier decision and allowed agriculture produce to be imported without undergoing pesticide residue tests.

The Supreme Court last Wednesday issued a stay order against the government move to revoke its own decision.

Speaking at an interaction, farmers termed the government's step to conduct chemical tests on farm products 'a positive move.' "The gov...