Rejection of chilli consignments by China raises concern among exporters, farmers in Andhra Pradesh

Spices Board Deputy Director Anan Debbarma advises farmers to use pesticides strictly based on the recommendations from the agriculture and horticulture experts to minimise residue levels. File

| Photo Credit: VIJAYA KUMAR

Detection of pesticide residue in the Indian chilli consignments rejected by China has raised concern among exporters in Andhra Pradesh, prompting calls for urgent intervention to ensure residue-free production ahead of the ongoing sowing season.Exporters in Guntur, on condition of anonymity, say that the rejected consignments have been found to contain traces of ‘Methamidophos’. This has heightened anxiety among exporters and farmers alike.With the farmers preparing for sowing during the current monsoon season, exporters have urged the government to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and promote scientific pesticide usage to safeguard export markets.Codex standardsAccording to the Codex Alimentarius, an internationally recognised food standards programme established jointly by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the maximum residue limit (MRL) for Methamidophos in spices is 0.1 mg/kg.The Codex defines MRL as the highest level of pesticide residue legally permitted in food when pesticides are applied in accordance with he Good Agricultural Practices.Speaking to The Hindu, Anan Debbarma, Deputy Director, Spices Board, at the Guntur Regional Office, said the the Board had been conducting post-harvest quality improvement programmes for the farmers with the support of stakeholders and agricultural scientists to enhance export quality.Mr. Debbarma said different countries maintain varying standards and import parameters depending on the domestic requirements.Referring to the recent reports on chilli exports to China, Mr. Debbarma said he could not comment on the issue without official communication from higher authorities. However, he advised farmers to use pesticides strictly based on recommendations from the agriculture and horticulture experts to minimise residue levels.