Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2019-01-29

Enhancing the food safety through the establishment of a National Level Analytical laboratory

- It has been proposed to establish a laboratory with modern facilities with a view to regulating the inputs and excessive usage of chemical fertilizer, organic manures and pesticides and monitoring the residues and contaminant levels in food, soil and water. At the same time, it has been proposed to improve the investigative capability of the laboratory by providing laboratory equipment and facilities, conducting laboratory accreditation and quality assurance, educating the safe and correct use of agricultural inputs and to provide training in the use and issue of agro‑chemicals and fertilizers. Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon.P. Harison, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Economic Affairs, Livestock Development, Irrigation and Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development, to set apart funds required for the purpose, was approved by the Cabinet.