EU ban threat looms as groundnut growers grapple with aflatoxin

“The EU wants groundnut kernels and processed products with aflatoxin levels below five parts per billion (PPB) for human consumption and below eight PPB for bird feed. Many consignments have been rejected by EU on grounds of high aflatoxin levels,” said Mukesh Vora,an exporter. According to reports,the aflatoxin levels were found to be above 15 PPB.

“This is the highest number of consignments ever rejected. If things continue like this,we will end up losing big export orders,” said Lalit Adhiya,another Rajkot-based exporter,who recently organised the first-ever seminar awareness for India Oil Seeds and Produce Export Council. The seminar underlined that not only export business worth Rs 1,200 crore is threatened due to aflatoxins but also the fate of several thousand farmers and more than 650 processing units across Gujarat hangs in balance.

“From over 50,000 tones export to EU for the past couple of years,export from our firms is down to 10,000 tones this year,” said Adhiya while adding,“I do not rule out the possibility of a complete ban by EU even though markets for South East Asia are opening up for India.”

“Nearly 30 per cent of the total 5 million kernels produced in India are contaminated with aflatoxins. Some years ago,the percentage was only 10-11 per cent,” said G Jaysukh,CMD,Jinit Agro Food Private Limited (JAFPL).

JAFPL,too,organised an awareness drive for farmers. “There is a requirement to exercise care at all levels. While weather conditions are not in our hand,protection from conditions,use of pesticides and choice of seeds can help control spawning of aflatoxins,” said Jaysukh.

IOSPPC wants the processing units to upgrade standards as well. “Use of gloves by workers,neat and clean clothes,clean environment and advanced machinery and better storage facilities are required,” said Sanjay Shah,director, IOSPPC.

The consignments for EU were cleared from ports only after a quality certification from government-approved laboratories. They still failed tests in EU. “It takes 60 days for a shipment to reach its destination. There are chances of consignments being affected during transportation,” said Vora.