The pesticide testing laboratory in Harre, Bheriganga Municipality-4, meant to assess pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits entering Karnali Province, remains non-operational due to a lack of funds and human resources.

The Karnali Provincial Government constructed the laboratory building six years ago at a cost of Rs 7 million. However, it has yet to be utilized as insufficient funds have been allocated to procure necessary equipment and hire staff.

According to Chitra Bahadur Rokaya, Chief of the Integrated Agricultural Laboratory of Karnali Province, the office has repeatedly requested the line ministry to manage funds and personnel, but the issue remains unresolved.

The provincial ministry has allocated only Rs 2.9 million for the operation of the laboratories in Harre and Kapurkot, Salyan—less than half of the Rs 6.5 million requested. Rokaya stated that the limited budget is inadequate to purchase essential equipment and materials. Additionally, the office sought at least six employees for each laboratory, but the positions remain vacant.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives of Karnali Province is working to reallocate funds from other budget headings to address the financial shortfall, said ministry spokesperson Dhan Bahadur Kathayat. -- RSS