The Young Mizo Association branch of Bairabi North seized chemically adulterated vegetables en route to Mizoram from Hailakandi district.
Following reports of chemically adulterated vegetables were entering Mizoram via Bairabi in Kolasib district the local YMA volunteers from Bairabi North checked all vehicles carrying vegetables and seized several quintals of chemically treated vegetables.
“We do not have scientific proof that these vegetables are adulterated. We boiled the vegetables and these smelled toxic and chemically pungent,” VL Malsawma, president of Bairabi North YMA said.
“A total of two truckloads of vegetables were seized and destroyed,” VL Malsawma said.
It is reported that vegetables are sprayed with some chemicals as preservative. Hailakandi district is the major exporter of vegetables to Mizoram, especially the northern district of Kolasib.
“If the vegetables are not sold instantly, they lose freshness and look pale, but when sprinkled with some chemicals, the vegetables look fresh much longer, but can be very dangerous if consumed,” VL Malsawma said.
The entire Mizoram is not self sufficient in vegetables especially during winter. Mizoram, then, has to import vegetables from neighbouring states, particularly from Hailakandi and Cachar districts.