1Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, P. O, Thrissur, Kerala, 680656, India
2AINP on Pesticide Residues, Pesticide Residue Research and Analytical Laboratory, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695522, India
3Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara, Idukki, Kerala, 685553, India
4Division of Agricultural Economics, School of Agricultural Sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641114, India
We analyse the potential export markets of Indian small cardamom and the global and importing country-specific product standards (pesticide residue level). Indian exports of small cardamom are negatively and seriously impacted by chemical pesticide residue levels fixed by major importers like Saudi Arabia. The global and country level specifications substantially vary and Indian standards are not in harmony with them. The pesticide usage, handling and trade practices in producing areas are unscientific, leading to accumulation of pesticide residues. The export potential can be fully tapped only through harmonisation of global specifications coupled with responsible interventions in research, legal, extension systems, and stringent monitoring of the production system.
SPS measures, Cardamom, Pesticide residues, MRL, Codex standards, TBT
