‘Spray of natural pesticides in FCI godowns’

Coimbatore, Aug 24 (PTI) The Union government today saidit has started using natural pesticides made of neem andthulasi in Food Corporation India godowns nationwide toprevent after effects on grains that happens from use ofchemical pesticides. "Chemical pesticides harm grains like rice and wheatstored in godowns, which in turn causes health hazard toconsumers," Tiruchi Siva, chairman, state ConsultativeCommittee on FCI, told reporters here. He said natural pesticides were used after discussionswith organic farmer and expert, Nammalvar of Tamil Nadu, whosuggested using spray made of neem and thulasi which protectsgrains and prevents pest attack. Siva was here to inspect the FCI godown in NorthCoimbatore, as part of the nation wide inspection for the lastsix months. Asked about the problems being faced by fishermen at thehands of Sri Lankan navy, he said, the Centre has alreadystated that it has charted out a five-point strategy to tacklethe issue. PTI NVM APRMNGMAV