NEW DELHI: Groundnut exports will have to meet more stringent norms from July as the government will make the quality standards mandatory, ahead of a visit by an EU delegation in October to the domestic processing units.
“Quality norms for groundnut exports for bird feed and human consumption will be implemented in the country from July. As of now, a technical document has been cleared,'' Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Direc tor Mr S Dave said.
Apeda has framed quality norms after a series of complaints from the European Commission on presence of aflatoxin, a fungus in Indian groundnuts, he said.
“Aflatoxin is a common problem in groundnut. It can be controlled by bringing the moisture level below 7 per cent. Norms are set so that farmers and exporters take steps to minimise it,'' Mr Dave said, adding that they will have to adhere to stringent te sting and quality certification norms before exporting groundnuts.
According to Apeda, standards are set for shelling units, processing units and storage units at harbours.
Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC) has been authorised to issue quality certificates for shelling units and godowns (at harbours) involved in exports, while Apeda will certify the processing units, he added.
Source : Business Line