Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU Sept 27: All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA), an apex body of Indian rice exporters has taken an initiative to create awareness & train the farmers on appropriate use of pesticide on rice crop so that there is a little or no residue.
This step has been taken by AIREA to curb the growing concern among the exporters on the rejection of the rice consignment almost on daily basis because of the pesticide residues found above permissible limit in the processed grain.
Rice is the staple food for the people of India with 50% of the global population being rice eaters. India is also one of the world’s largest producers of rice, contributing to a 20% of all world rice production.
AIREA through its various meetings, summits, conferences, workshops and events is trying to educate farmers about the negative impacts on the incorrect use of pesticides resulting in the presence of residues even after processing. This presence of residues beyond permissible levels is causing rejection of export consignments. In order that the residues remain within the permissible level the farmers need to adopt GAP (Good Agriculture Practices). This can only be controlled by generating awareness on how it is impacting exports and training the farmers on appropriate use, a handout issued by AIREA said.
According to Rajan Sundaresan, Executive Director, AIREA, “controlling the pesticide residue is not in the hands of exporter nor the dealer, but the farmer. The right pesticide, right dose, right time and right equipment is the only formula that will work in reducing presence of pesticide residues, thereby enhance export.”
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