The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a bid to bolster the safety and quality standards of Indian tea, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has embarked on a comprehensive initiative to train and sensitize tea planters across the country on reducing pesticide residue levels. This move comes in the wake of recurring instances where both domestic and international buyers have rejected tea consignments due to the excessive presence of pesticides and chemicals, tarnishing the reputation of India’s celebrated tea industry.
The food regulator kicked off its awareness drive with a workshop held on Friday in the tea-growing region of Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. Conducted in collaboration with the Tea Board and the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence, the session aimed to strengthen awareness among planters on integrated pest management and good agricultural practices specific to tea cultivation.
“Wide-ranging discussions were held, which included insights into FSSAI notifications on Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a recommended time gap between pesticide spraying and tea leaf plucking,” the FSSAI said in a statement.
The training session focused on educating small tea growers about the significance of adhering to FSSAI norms on MRLs, ensuring the safe use of pesticides, and underscoring the potential health risks associated with excessive chemical residues in tea.
Last year, the FSSAI issued directives under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, operationalizing limits on the use of five pesticides widely employed by tea growers across India: Emamectin Benzoate, Fenpyroximate, Hexaconazole, Propiconazole, and Quinalphos. The move was prompted by representations from stakeholders and a recognition of the need to align India’s tea industry with global standards.
Scientific studies have revealed that tea plantations are vulnerable to a staggering 1,000 species of phytophagous insects and mites due to the environmental and climatic conditions in which tea is cultivated. To combat this onslaught of pests, planters have resorted to the indiscriminate use of high volumes of pesticides, resulting in the presence of higher-than-prescribed limits of pesticide residues in tea.
The health implications of consuming tea laced with excessive pesticide residues are well-documented, with links to allergies, aggravated asthma symptoms, and certain types of cancer. By educating planters on safe and sustainable pest management practices, the FSSAI aims to safeguard consumer health while preserving the integrity of India’s tea exports.
India, as the world’s second-largest tea producer, contributing nearly 20% of global tea production through the renowned plantations of Darjeeling, the Nilgiris, and Assam, has a vital role to play in maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. With tea being the second-highest consumed beverage globally, after water, the implications of pesticide contamination extend far beyond India’s borders.
Recognizing the magnitude of the challenge, the FSSAI, in conjunction with industry partners, plans to take its comprehensive capacity-building initiative to various tea-growing clusters across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal. The objective is to foster a paradigm shift in the tea industry, where sustainable and responsible cultivation practices become the norm, ensuring that India’s tea retains its coveted status on the global stage.
The training workshops will delve into a range of topics, including the judicious use of pesticides, adherence to prescribed waiting periods between spraying and plucking, and the adoption of integrated pest management techniques that minimize the need for chemical interventions.
“By equipping tea planters with the knowledge and skills to reduce pesticide residues, we are not only safeguarding public health but also fortifying the competitiveness of Indian tea in international markets,” said an FSSAI official involved in the initiative.
The move has garnered praise from consumer advocacy groups and environmentalists, who have long advocated for stricter regulations and increased transparency in the tea industry’s production processes.
“This is a much-needed step in the right direction,” remarked a prominent environmental activist. “Excessive pesticide use not only compromises the quality of the final product but also poses grave risks to the delicate ecosystems surrounding tea plantations. By promoting sustainable practices, the FSSAI is ensuring that India’s tea industry remains economically viable while respecting the sanctity of our natural resources.”