KOCHI: The Spices Board has offered to test cardamom for pesticide residue free of charge for the next three years.

The testing facility will be available at the Quality Evaluation Laboratory of the Spices Board in Kochi. Besides residue test, the lab will also undertake soil and leaf testing free of cost during the next three years.

Farmers have been advised to submit samples either directly or through the field offices of the Spices Board in various locations.

The Spices Board has also made arrangements to address the problems faced by the farmers and set up a telephone facility for them.

The phone number to be contacted is 04868 - 237870. Scientists from all the departments would be available on first and third Fridays of every month to meet the farmers and attend to their queries.

The Spices Board has advised the farmers to strictly follow the directives under the integrated pest and disease management practices laid down by the board and to stop indiscriminate use of toxic chemicals.

The board has informed cardamom farmers about the great demand for organic spices. It has also decided to compile elite land races and good cultivation practices by cardamom farmers. The aim is to finally bring out a common Good Agriculture Practice manual for cardamom.

Meanwhile, the board has given clear-cut directives on the cess and levies that could be collected from cardamom farmers by auctioneers.

The associations concerned have been informed of the directives and any violation would be dealt with appropriately.

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