Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/520302
46 STiR tea & coffee industry international / Issue 3, 2015 (June/July) Plant Protection Code Tea leaves are incredibly delicate and must be shielded from a variety of pests in their journey from the plantation to the tea cup. The 'Plant Protection Code' delineates the correct utilization of the various plant protection products and also the stringent methods that need to be followed to ensure that pesticide resi- dues are kept within permissible limits. The guidelines give tea growers the roadmap to review their usage of Plant Protection Formulations (PPF's) periodically, so that these can be moni- tored and reduced to the extent possible. The safe implementation of the plant protection techniques helps the growers to ultimately decrease dependence on such formulations, thereby making the transition to better types of protection possible within a stipulated time frame. Cultivation without pesticides The Center for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA) based in the southern city of Secunderabad is a pioneer in plant protection without chemical pesticides. Many farmers in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh already adhere to these practices. The hazard- ous implications from the use of chemical pesticides, together with the damaging impact on the final produce have resulted in the introduction of crop-friendly initiatives. Collaboration between public institutions, NGO's and farm- ers has given rise to a novel and more sustainable model of de- velopment. The new methodology has "an ecological approach to pest management using knowledge and skill-based practices to prevent insects from reaching damaging stages and damaging proportions by making best use of local resources, natural pro- cesses and community action." CSA formulated this eco-friendly approach, which is viewed as the way forward for smallholders throughout the world. The aspects of food purity, pesticide residues, soil and environment protection and the safety and security of the small farmers are safeguarded by the adoption of non-pesticide farming technolo- gies. Ecological practices that enhance productivity, conserve soil health and fertility and also take note of crucial issues like climate change are brought into the normal processes of agri- culture, with the active cooperation of the farming community. Minding the maximum residue limits Until recently, pesticide residues and their permissible levels throughout India were in line with those prescribed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Indian tea companies continue to comply with these guidelines, but recently began adhering to more rigorous standards for MRLs established by other countries, especially Japan and those in the EU/EEC. While implementation will not be easy for India's tea exporters, there is an increasing awareness of the importance of meeting the parameters set by these countries. The tea industry, together with The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee, the Government of India and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) continuously monitor the use of pesticides and with the Trustea program have established a method for compliance. Greenpeace merely rang the alarm. India was already deeply engaged in the challenging task of developing alternatives to chemical pesticides and in helping growers understand the proper use and impact of pesticides to bring about the necessary changes. India has slipped from the world's top tea exporting country to 4th globally due in part to increased domestic consumption. Gardens The 54 Gardens in compli- ance produced 67 million kilos of tea in 2014 with 35 more soon to be verified that together will process 200 million kilos in 2015. Factories A factory officer is assigned to monitor 150 bought leaf factories. India has 5,000 bought leaf factories. The Trustea Code The Trustea India Sustainabili- ty Tea Program was developed to evaluate the social, econom- ic, agronomic, and environ- mental performance of the tea estates, smallholders and the bought leaf factories in India. A code development com- mittee comprising of Solidari- dad, IDH, HUL, and The Rain- forest Alliance/SAN developed the first draft of the code based on Indian realities and existing legal provisions. Information was also taken from existing global parameters set by asso- ciations like the Rainforest Al- liance (RFA), Ethical Tea Part- nership (ETP), UTZ Certified, and the Unilever Sustainable Agriculture Code. Adherence to the code's provisions enhances the tea's com- petetiveness in world markets and ensures that the nation's tea estates move towards more sustainable practices in line with national and international parameters. The norms enumerated under 11 chapters with mandatory compliance in four years. The Tea Board's is partnering with IDH, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Tata Global Beverages, The Rainforest Alliance, the Solidaridad Network, and the ETP. The program envisions verification of 600 factories, cover- ing 500,000 workers and 40,000 small holders. The latter are essential as smallholders are the fastest grow- ing producers at 42%. The segment is expected to produce 50% of India's tea within 10 years. Trustea incorporates ETP and RFA standards and also food safety norms prevalent in the country. Trustea also incorpo- rate the Tea Board's Plant Protection Code (PPC). Under the Trustea Program, six pilot projects have been launched across the country to demonstrate the sustainability of tea cultivation using the more bio-friendly methods outlined in the PPC and the Trustea code. Verification insures "quality, protection of the environment, food safety, better livelihood to workers and employees and the stakeholders- buyers and consumers", according to R. K. Ba- baycon coordinator of the Trustea Program.