In order to prevent the hazardous side effects of chemical pesticides, the government has switched to natural pesticides, made of Neem and Tulasi, in godowns belonging to the Food Corporation India across the country.

Chemical pesticides harmed the grains, like rice and wheat, stored in the godowns. This, in turn, was causing health hazard to the consumers, DMK MP and Chairman, State Consultative Committee on FCI, Tiruchy Siva told reporters in Coimbatore today.

The natural pesticides were selected after discussing with organic farmer and expert, Nammalvar of Tamil Nadu, who suggested the use of spray made of Neem and Tulasi, which protected the grains and also prevented pest attack, he said.

Tiruchy Siva had come to Coimbatore to inspect the FCI godown in North Coimbatore, as part of a nationwide inspection for the last six months. When asked about the continuing problem being faced by fishermen at the hands of the Sri Lankan navy, Siva said the Centre has already stated that it has taken a five-point strategy to tackle the issue.

Siva was recently in the news when he was slapped by the then AIADMK MP, Sasikala Pushpa. He refused to reply to a question on the issue.