Assam, Jan 22 (KNN) The CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), G Kamala Vardhana Rao, has highlighted the importance of adopting bio-pesticides in tea production to ensure safety and quality.

Rao addressed tea growers and planters during an interactive session held in Kellyden, Assam on Friday.

The gathering, which included key stakeholders like FSSAI officials, the Tea Board, Tea Research Institute, tea planters, processors, and representatives from the Food and Drug Department of the state, focused on enhancing traceability and testing measures for raw materials.

Concerns were raised about unauthorised pesticide use in tea cultivation, prompting planters to urge the state government to impose a ban on such substances.

Processors advocated for the provision of rapid testing kits at the farm gate level to streamline pesticide testing.

The discussion emphasised screening every batch for pesticide residues and adherence to Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) as per the Food Safety and Standards Regulations of 2011.

The meeting stressed the need for regular interaction with stakeholders and the formulation of a time-bound action plan to ensure the availability of safe tea to consumers.

Rao underscored the significance of collaboration with the Tea Board for joint inspection, sampling, and testing processes, encouraging the adoption of bio-pesticides.

The Tea Board stressed the importance of awareness campaigns among planters to maintain a harvesting gap for safe agricultural practices.

Scientific panel members engaged in detailed deliberations on specific pesticides, monitoring procedures, and the prevention of off-label use.

FSSAI is providing financial assistance to Assam for upgrading laboratories dedicated to pesticide testing.

Key speakers at the event included officials from the Department of Commerce & Industry, the Tea Board, and representatives from various industry associations.

(KNN Bureau)