CropLife India is stepping up its engagement with the country’s tea and spice sectors to support sustainable cultivation practices amid increasingly stringent pesticide residue standards in global markets, particularly in the European Union, according to a report by The Hindu BusinessLine.
Tea Sector Initiatives
Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General of CropLife India, noted that India has nearly 2.5 lakh small tea growers compared to around 1,500 organised tea estates. The industry body has been focusing on enhancing awareness and stewardship among small tea growers through programmes on responsible use of crop protection products, good agricultural practices, residue management and adherence to label recommendations, according to the report.
CropLife India has also undertaken initiatives to expand the availability of registered crop protection products for tea through science-based regulatory processes. It works closely with the United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) on policy advocacy, optimisation of crop protection product application using precision technologies and promotion of responsible, science-based use of crop protection products, Chandra said.
Spice Sector Challenges and Response
In the spice sector, CropLife India has prepared a consolidated list of approved crop protection products for cumin, cardamom, black pepper, coriander and fenugreek based on inputs from its member companies. The list has been shared with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare for onward sharing with the Spices Board, ICAR–Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) and State Agriculture Departments to improve farmer awareness, encourage label-compliant use and minimise off-label applications.
India is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices. However, the sector continues to face a shortage of approved crop protection products for several spice crops, leading to limited label claims, off-label usage and residue-related export risks. Chandra said the Indian Institute of Spices Research has collaborated with CropLife India to advocate faster label expansion, crop grouping and expedited establishment of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) to address these challenges.
Crop Grouping Framework
CropLife India has been actively pushing for the implementation of a Crop Grouping Framework to facilitate the establishment of national MRLs and expansion of label claims for minor crops, including spices. With more than 550 crops cultivated in India and over 85 per cent lacking crop-specific label claims, crop grouping offers a globally accepted mechanism to extrapolate residue data from representative crops in line with Codex Alimentarius principles, according to the report.
The association is also partnering with the government, research institutions, commodity boards and farmer organisations to promote science-based policies that improve farmer access to registered crop protection technologies, reduce residue-related trade risks and enhance the competitiveness of India’s agricultural exports.
| Crop | Approved Product List Status | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Cumin | Included in consolidated list | Limited label claims |
| Cardamom | Included in consolidated list | Residue export risks |
| Black pepper | Included in consolidated list | Off-label usage |
| Coriander | Included in consolidated list | Shortage of approved products |
| Fenugreek | Included in consolidated list | MRL establishment pending |
Outlook
According to Chandra, accelerating label claim approvals, implementing crop grouping and promoting responsible product stewardship will collectively support sustainable agriculture and strengthen India’s position in global agricultural markets. For commodity traders and procurement teams, these developments signal potential shifts in supply dynamics of Indian tea and spices as compliance with EU standards may affect export volumes and pricing. Raw material buyers should monitor regulatory progress and crop protection product availability, which could influence production costs and residue profiles of Indian origin commodities.
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