New Delhi — Pesticide residues above the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) fixed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) were detected in 3.1 per cent of fruit and vegetable samples collected under the Monitoring of Pesticide Residues at National Level (MPRNL) project during 2023-26, according to a reply by Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The minister stated that pesticide residues above the FSSAI MRL were detected in 2,223 (3.1 per cent) of the 70,652 samples tested.
MPRNL findings and traceability
According to Chouhan, a total of 70,652 samples of fruits and vegetables were collected from 23 states and union territories under the MPRNL project during 2023-26. Of these, 2,223 samples (3.1 per cent) exceeded the FSSAI MRL.
To ensure traceability, laboratories record GPS coordinates of each sample collection point. For farm-gate samples, the growing area's traceability is established.
The MPRNL project, launched in 2005-06, is implemented through 40 participating laboratories (including five new laboratories) covering 22 states. The project's continuation has been approved till 2028-29.
State-level oversight committees
21 states have constituted state-level committees for monitoring pesticide residue and implementing good agricultural practices and integrated pest management among stakeholders to reduce or avoid pesticide residue issues in agricultural commodities.
Draft Sugarcane (Control) Order, 2026 withdrawn
Ramnath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, said the government has withdrawn the Draft Sugarcane (Control) Order, 2026. In a written reply on Tuesday, he said the Department of Food and Public Distribution published the draft order on April 20 seeking stakeholder comments. However, based on comments received from state governments and other stakeholders, the order was withdrawn on May 29, 2026.
Digital crop survey expansion
To a query on the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), Thakur said it was initially piloted during kharif 2023-24 in selected districts of 10 states. After the successful pilot, it was expanded during rabi 2023-24 to 22 states/UTs. At present, DGCES is implemented across 23 states/UTs.
The survey offers several advantages:
- Fully digital, paperless workflow with real-time data capture through a mobile application
- Geo-tagging, time-stamping and authenticated photographic evidence for transparency
- Standardised data collection and validation across states, improving accuracy and timeliness
- Web-based dashboards for online monitoring and faster compilation of crop yield estimates
Fruits and vegetables trade
Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, said India has consistently been a net exporter of fruits and vegetables, reflecting strong domestic production and integration with global markets.
| Metric | 2016-17 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Export value | $2.45 billion | $3.93 billion |
| Export volume | 4.95 million tonnes | 5.82 million tonnes |
According to Prasada's written reply, fruits and vegetables exports increased from $2.45 billion in 2016-17 to $3.93 billion in 2025-26, while export volumes rose from 4.95 million tonnes to 5.82 million tonnes, indicating sustained global demand for Indian produce.
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