Gulf nations halt veggie imports from TN over pesticide fears

Trichy:

Close on the heels of Kerala raising concerns about the high level of pesticide content in vegetables grown in Tamil Nadu, many Middle East countries have put brakes on importing vegetables from the state and other regions.

Exporters said a large quantity of vegetables and other perishable commodities like dairy products, sent from Trichy , was lying at airports in Middle East nations as officials there have demanded quality certificates on the produce.

As the plant quarantine division here does not have any provision for providing a health certificate, exporters are now facing a difficult situation. Many of them have stopped procuring vegetables and dairy products from farmers.

A group of exporters recently raised their concern with airport director BCH Negi. Authorities at Dubai airport refused to accept a three-tonne shipment con aining vegetables, coconuts and dairy items sent hrough SriLankan Air ines via Colombo. The au horities have issued a showcause notice for not providing a health certificate.

A senior official from he directorate of plant pro ection, quarantine and storage here said, “A new set of guidelines has been issued by the Gulf author ties. Among other things it requires a health certificate or perishable items that are sent to the country . But, ministry of commerce has not issued any intimation to he cargo authorities.“

According to Moorthy S of Bravo Logistics, the showcause notice was is sued to all exporters who were supplying perishable goods to the Gulf. He further added that exporters who ship produce from Kochi and Mumbai also faced the same problem.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) that is involved in certifying the food processing exports has four laboratories in the state where the goods are being checked for pesticides and other residues.

However, a senior cargo official at the airport said that many exporters do not follow the procedures of APEDA. “This can be a reason for countries to insist on certificates,“ he added.