MONTHLY REPORT OF THE IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES OF SPICES BOARD FOR JUNE 2014

C O N T E N T S

I. EVENTS

II. AUCTION PERFORMANCE

III. DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

IV EXPORT DEVELOPMENT & PROMOTION

V. RESEARCH

VI. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

VII. PUBLICITY

VIII.OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

IX . CODEX

I. EVENTS

3rd – 5th June, 2014 - Attended Alimentaria Mexico 2014, Centro Banamex, Mexico.

30th June, 2014 - Attended the meeting convened by Additional

Secretary (Plantations) with State Government

officials in Imphal, Manipur

II. AUCTION PERFORMANCE

Source: Reports from licenced cardamom auctioneers

Average prices of Cardamom (Large) at Gangtok & Delhi. (Price : Rs/Kg)

Source : Spices Board Regional Office at Gangtok and Delhi

Collection, Compilation and Dissemination of Trade Data

Domestic and international prices received from various agencies have been

compiled and disseminated through the Spices Market bulletin as well as

through the Board’s website. Information on area, production, prices and export

has been furnished to various users in the industry on request and the details

are provided in the official website of the Board.

Auction performance of Cardamom(Small)

'(QTY IN M.T; PRICES ARE IN RS/KG)CENTRE JUNE 2014 August-June

2013-14June- 2013 August-June

12-13Qty. Wt.Avg.

PriceQty. Wt.Avg.

PriceQty. Wt.Avg.

Price Qty.Wt.Avg.

Price

Kerala & Tamil Nadu

930 744.69 20498 645.31 1389 580.08

14466 700.13Karnataka 2 489.99 42 448.03 6 516.81

55 467.71

Maharashtra 1 896.94 78 744.81 0 0 28 801.99

All India 933 744.39 20618 645.29 1395 579.79 14549 699.44

Centre Grade June 2014

June 2013

Gangtok Badadana 1290.63 925.00

Chotadana 1256.25 895.00

Delhi -- 1530 1100.50

III. DEVELOPMENT PFOGRAMMES

Climatic Condition:

The climatic condition was generally favourable for growth and development of

spice crops. Medium rainfall received in Kerala Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and

Sikkim region. South West monsoon started in South India. Dry season was

observed in central India.

Crop Prospects:

A overall increase of 10% production is expected in the case of small cardamom

and a increase of 5 percentage is expected in the case of large cardamom. , when

compared to last year.

Pest and Disease outbreak:

No major pest and disease outbreak was reported during the month in small and

large cardamom.

Scheme for Export Oriented Production & Post Harvest Improvement ofSpices. Export Oriented Production & Post Harvest Improvement of Spices” are as follows:

(A) Cardamom (small & Large)

Replantation

The objective of this scheme is to address the issue of replanting of the old and

uneconomic plantations of cardamom [small and large] in the States of Kerala,

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Sikkim & Darjeeling District of West Bengal and

other NE states.Beneficiary growers will be given assistance for taking up

replantation in their plantations.

During 2014-15 it is proposed to cover 1820 ha. and 825 ha. under replantation

for small and large cardamom respectively. An amount of ` 15.28 lakhs and `

11.67 lakhs have been disbursed as subsidy for replanting of small and large

cardamom respectively.

Planting Material Production

During the current season. An amount of Rs.0.20 lakhs have been paid as

subsidy under the scheme.

Development of Cardamom (Small)

Action is in progress for bringing 250 hectares under irrigation by construction of

irrigation devices and by supply of irrigation equipments and setting up of 30

improved curing devices. Applications are yet to be received, as the working

procedure and eligibility criteria are to be fixed by the Board under XII plan.

During XII plan Board proposes to implement expanded programmes which

includes supply of bee boxes to improve pollination in small cardamom and there

by improving production and productivity, supply of GAP kits to promote

Integrated Pest Management Practices in small cardamom so as to improve the

quality and promotion of farm mechanisation by providing machines.

Development Programmes for North East

(a) Large Cardamom Development (Sikkim & Darjeeling Dist of West Bengal)

The activity components under this programme are setting up of 15 curing

houses (modified bhatties) for curing large cardamom, construction of 20

rainwater harvesting devices for irrigation.

(b) Development of Spices in other North Eastern States

Under this component the activities taken up are large cardamom development,

production of ginger, Lakadong turmeric construction of rainwater harvesting

devices & curing houses for large cardamom and training to farmers of NE States

in South India. Planting material for large cardamom area expansion is being

produced through certified nurseries opened in growers’ field. During the current

season, it is proposed to cover 300 hectares under large cardamom new planting,

500 hectares under North East ginger and 500 hectares under organic Lakadong

turmeric. In addition to this, 10 rainwater harvesting devices and 5 modified

bhatties will be set up.Action will be taken for arranging training for 50 selected

farmers of NE region in South India on Good Agricultural Practices and Post

Harvest Improvement of Spices. Quality improvement training programmes will

also be arranged during the coming months. An amount of ` 0.15lakhs has been

paid towards subsidy for rain water harvesting scheme and 0.60 lakhs have been

paid towards ICCD scheme.

Other Spices

For creating replicable models for obtaining exportable surplus of spices of

importance and demand, it is proposed to supply 350 threshers for pepper and

150 Nos. for seed spices. Promotion of integrated pest management for chilli will

be taken up in 6000 ha. in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,Maharashtra

and Tamilnadu . Action is in progress for supply of 30 turmeric steam boilers and

15 polishers to selected farmers. An amount of ` 23.9 lakhs have been disbursed

as subsidy to turmeric boilers.

Post Harvest Improvement of Spices

In order to provide clean and hygienic surfaces for drying spices, supply of

silpauline/polythene sheets at subsidized rates are being taken up. It is proposed

to supply 7500 polysthene sheets and 1500 nos bamboomats to selected farmers.

To promote post harvest handling at farm level Board proposes to supply 3 mint

distillation units in mint growing areas.

During XII plan Board also proposes expanded programmes for other spices

which include supply of 100 harvesting ladders,10 spice cleaners, 5

nutmeg/clove driers, 2 spice dehydration units, 3 spice slicing

machines,50nutmeg/tamarind dehullers, and 3 ginger peeling and storage units.

Organic Farming The activity components under this programme includes assistance for obtaining

organic certification, setting up of bio-agent units, promoting organic cultivation

of spices and setting up of vermicompost units. During the current season, it is

proposed to assist 34 cases under organic certification and 600 ha. will be taken

up for Organic cultivation .Under expanded programme in XII plan Board

proposes to assist 10 organic seed banks.

Extension Advisory Service

Transfer of technical know-how to growers on production and post harvest

improvement practices of spices is imparted through this programme by way of

extension visits, group meetings, seminars, distribution of technical literature

etc.Implementation of various programmes is also taken up through this

extension network. During month of june.14, 1669 extension visits and 44 group

meeting were conducted. Upto the month of june 2014 , 2069 extension visits

and 144 group meetings/campaigns were conducted.

IV. EXPORT DEVELOPMENT & PROMOTION

1. Licensing & Registration:

Details with regard to Registration and Licensing activity during the month under report are given below:

Item No. of applicationsreceived

No. of CRES/Licenses issued

No. of Inspectionconducted

Remarks

CRES 69156(renewal)

43 2 2,21,000/-

Dealer 8 4 4

2. Mandatory sampling of Chilly/Chilly products/Turmeric powder/Cumin export consignments:

During the month, a total of 1565 nos. of samples (includes samples drawn from

the export consignments of chilly/chilly products/turmeric as well as private

samples) were received from Cochin Region for analysis. 411 nos. reports were

issued to the concerned parties. Supervision of stuffing of all the consignments

which showed compliance had been arranged.

3. Import Samples: 126 imported samples received from customs during the

month. 45 Analytical reports received from the Lab were processed.

4. Infrastructure development:

a) Hi-Tech Adoption/Technology Up-gradation Scheme:

During the month under report an amount of Rs.7,67,477/- is paid to one

exporter towards grantin- aid under technology upgradation scheme.

5. Trade promotion

No application received for availing assistance under the above schemes,

6. International Trade Fair/Exhibition including MDA:

a) Trade fair participation under Board’s Scheme:

No application received during the month.

b) Market Development Assistance (MDA):

No application received during the month.

7. Promotion of Indian Spice Brands Abroad:

During the month we have released the final instalment of brand promotion loan

Rs..27,13,503/- to M/s Ramdev Food Products Pvt Ltd., Ahmedabad.

8. Product Development & Research:

No application received during the month.

9. Registration of Brand Name:

No application received during the month.

10. Report pertaining to Regional Offices:

Name of Offices Total No. ofmeeting/Seminarattended/organized

Visits/inspection/SurveillanceInspection

Sampling Stuffing.

Mumbai (April 14) - 3 810 591

Mumbai (May) 14) 723 635

Guntur (June 2014)

4 59 36

Other Activities

1. Two Marketing officers participated the training programme under the EU-

India Capacity Building Initiative for Trade Development, in Spain during 28th

June 2014 to 6th July 2014.

2. The Collaborative Training Cell, Spices Board conducted a training programme

on Food Safety and supply Chain Management in Spices and Botanical

ingredients at Bangalore on 3rd and 4th June 2014. The programme was jointly

organized with IIPM, Bangalore. The programme was meant exclusively for

processing sector of Spice Industry. Nearly 34 exporters from South India

attended the 2 day training programme. Dr. G.K. Vidya Shankar, DD (Mktg) and

Dr. John Jo Varghese, Scientist-C, ICRI, Myladumpara were the resource

personnel for the programme. Dr. Shashikanth from CII-FACE also deliberated

with the participants.

V. RESEARCH

SMALL CARDAMOM

CROP PRODUCTION

Agronomy and Soil Science

At Myladumpara, field maintenance and treatment impositions of all ongoing

trials were continued. Pre treatment data on microbial analysis in the soil from

differenet treatments were recorded from the ongoing experiments entitled

“Influence of raw and enriched coirpith on the growth and yield of cardamom”

and “Impact of foliar fertilizers on growth & yield of cardamom”. Under the project

on “Oil profile studies in cardamom”, fifteen cardamom samples were analysed for

oil content and its chemical constituents like α - Pinene, 1,8- Cineole, Sabinene,

Linalool, Linalyl acetate, Terpinen-4-ol, α-Terpinyl acetate and Geraniol. Under

the project on “monitroing of pesticide residues in cardamom”, fourteen soil

samples and four water samples from cardamom fields were analysed for

pesticide residue analysis. Under the second Phase of the proejct on “Soil based

Nutrient Management Plan for Agro Systems of Kerala”, 75 soil samples from

Edamalkudy and Vellathooval panchayaths were analysed for major as well as

micro nutrients. Project Completion report were prepared on research projects

entitled “Performance of cardamom under high density planting in pits” and

“Assessment of pit less planting method in cardamom”.

At RS, Sakleshpur, observations were recorded and compiled for the experiment

AGR.5.1. Treatments were imposed for the trial AGR.1.6.4 organic nutrition in

cardamom

Crop Improvement

Cardamom genetic resources conserved in the germplasm repository were

monitored. Analyzed the oil profile of 13 genotypes in the co ordinate varietal trial

under AICRPS. Recorded the data on thrips incidence from organic plot. Data on

growth were recorded from different experimental plots such as PET, DUS, CVT,

and evaluation of black pepper etc. Multiplication of released varieties of black

pepper and herbal spices was continued.

At RS, Sakleshpur, ICRI - 8, a high yielding cardamom selection was approved by

the State varietal release committee, Karnataka on 19.6.2014. Oil has been

estimated for CVT- 2013. Highest oil content was found in SKP 164- 7.9%

followed by CL 726-6.9%. Recorded the fruit setting percentage in fruit induction

study in cardamom. Fruit setting percentage was 50-70% in trial plants whereas

in control it was 30-50%.

CROP PROTECTION

Plant Pathology:

Cost benefit ratio of various treatments of Fosetyl Aluminum against rot diseases

(paid up trial) was worked out. Pretreatment soil samples were collected from

cashew shell treated plots for analyzing physical and chemical properties. Spores

of various pathogens in the atmosphere were quantified using Burkard Spore

Trap. Observation on disease incidence was done in surveillance plots. Soil

samples were also collected from disease surveillance plots for screening for soil

micro-flora. In-situ observation on disease incidence was recorded from 45

genotypes belonging to Germplasm. Monitored different genotypes maintained for

the purpose of screening against fungal pathogens in the field. Requisition for

quotation for Kent Ozonator was made to many suppliers. A product called, Veg

Fru was procured for testing its efficacy in removing the pesticides of small

cardamom. Requisition for identification of actinomycetes was made to National

Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (NBAIM) Mau, Uttar Pradesh.

PCR amplification of 14 isolates of P. alpineae using two sets of ISSR primers was

done. Initiated pot culture studies for screening antagonists against P.meadii and

P. vexans. All scientists of the division prepared and submitted the Annual Report

for the year 2013-14.

At RS, Sakleshpur, In-vivo test using bio agents was monitored for establishment

of plants. Plot was identified and planting work initiated for field testing of short

listed promising bio agents.

Entomology:

Post treatment observation (shoot borer and panicle borer damage) was recorded

in new insecticides treated trail plots. Shoot borer infested larvae were collected

from the field and kept for pupation. Pest survey was conducted in planters’ field

at Pampadumpara, Vandiperiyar and ICRI farm. Survey and sampling of root

grub incidence was conducted in different blocks of ICRI farm.

Transfer Of Technology

At Myladumpara, two hundred and one soil samples from different cardamom

growing regions were analyzed for macro as well as micro nutirents and fertilizer

recommendations were given. Copper sulphate (2Nos.) and dolomite (2 Nos.) were

analyzed for nutrients. Scientist of the division gave training on food safety and

supply chain management of spices & botanical ingredients during the training

programme jointly organised by Collaborative Training Cell (CTC) and Indian

Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM) for Senior, Middle level management &

Core personnel related to the Spices Industry, Blenders, Packers and Exporters at

IIPM, Bangalore on 3-4 June 2014. Bio agents like Trichoderma (159 Litres) and

Pseudomonas (465 Litres) were produced and supplied to farmers. Mass

multiplication of Galleria (93 sets) larvae for mass production of EPN in the

laboratory was continued and 16,512 EPN cadavers were produced. Twenty

planters visited the division for getting details on IPM, biological control and EPN

application technology. Conducted hands on training on “EPN mass production

and application technique” to cardamom growers of Rajakumari region.

At RS, Sakleshpur, produced and supplied Pseudomonas 109 ltrs,

Trichoderma 83 ltrs and Trichoderma (Solid) 245 kg to the planters.

LARGE CARDAMOM

Monitored and maintained germplasm conservatory and PET sucker

multiplication unit at Pangthang research farm. Geographical Indicator report on

Seremna cultivar of large cardamom was submitted to member secretary,

Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of Sikkim. Monitored, maintained

and recorded data from germplasm collections under AICRPS at Kabi and

Singhik, North Sikkim. Monitored and maintained MLT and hybrid seed beds at

Kabi farm. Visited MLT plot at Singhik, North Sikkim. The plot was destroyed

due to road construction work and need to be relocated. Monitored and

maintained agronomical experimental plots at Pangthang and Kabi research

farms. Treatments were imposed in AGR1.5 as per the technical programme in

agronomy experiment. Pest surveillance was carried out in Loop, Baksha,

Pangthang in Sikkim and Tifindara area of Darjeeling, West Bengal. Information

about the pest incidence in large cardamom at Plungdong, Balasan, Arubotey and

Rangit Mozuwa of Darjeeling district, West Bengal was collected through the staff

of Development Department, Spices Board, Sukhia Pokhri. Observation was

recorded on incidence of pollinators during surveillance. No nest of bumble bees

could locate in the field conditions during the surveillance. Monitored and

maintained the large cardamom suckers in earthen pots, imposed with EPN

treatments against white grubs in ICRI farm at Pangthang under controlled

condition. Disease survey was carried out at Kabi and Darjeeling dist. of West

Bengal.

Post Harvest Technology

A discussion was held with the traders of large cardamom in Singtam, East

Sikkim about the quality requirements of large cardamom capsules. Scientists

along with Dy. Director (Res.) ICRI, RRS Tadong and Asst. Director (Mktg.),

Singtam participated in the discussion on 06/06/2014.

Transfer Of Technology

Mass multiplied and supplied 100 liters of mother cultures of Pseudomonas

fluorescence and 80 liters of Trichoderma bioagents to large cardamom

progressive farmers of Sikkim and Darjeeling dist. of West Bengal.

Other Activities

Scientists of the Station attended the following work in June, 2014

No Programme

Date Place Subject Resource person

1 Spice clinic-

- - - -

2 Training program-01

4/06/ 2014

Tadong Organic farming and organic certification process in Sikkim.

Dr. A. K. Vijayan, Scientist-D & Dy. Director (Res.)

3 Workshop/Seminar /Group meeting01

14/06/2014

Krishi Bhavan, Tadong

Internal Control System for organic farming and certification conducted by Sikkim state co-operative supply and marketing federation (CIMFED) and farmer’s orientation and interaction programme

Dr. A. K. Vijayan, Scientist-D & Dy. Director (Res.)

4 Plantation visits- 04

09/06/2014

Rang bhang busty, Darjeeling dist. of West Bengal

Large cardamom plantation

Dr. A. K. Vijayan, Scientist-D & Dy. Director (Res.) and Dr. T. N. Deka, Scientist-C, Entomology.

Participation of scientists

Fig.1 Inaugural function of XXII ARC Fig.2 Releasing the Annual Report on meeting on large cardamom large cardamom by chief guest in the at Gangtok, Sikkim on 26/06/2014 meeting

Fig.4 Director (Research) was received Fig.5 Field visit for diseaseat ICRI research farm at Pangthang by survey in Rang bhang busty, Scientists and farm workers Darjeeling dist. of West Bengal

Fig.5Large cardamom blight infected Fig. 6 Collection of disease escapes area in Rang bhang busty, of {Ramsey) from blight infected Darjeeling dist. hot spot area Rang bhang busty of Darjeeling dist.

VI. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Analytical services

During the month of June 2014, a total of 8,498 samples were analysed for

various parameters and a revenue of Rs. 1,21,64,131/- was generated by the

Laboratory.

ISO systems related activities

QEL Kochi, prepared the parameters to be tested for the water used in media

preparation in microbiology as per ISO system.

Received the Proficiency Testing Sample form Campden BRI UK, for nine

microbiological parameters listed under the scope of NABL, performed the

analysis and submitted the results.

QEL's, Kochi, Chennai, Mumbai and Tuticorin participated in the Ring test

ISO-WD7541 – under the ISO/TC37/SC7 Spices and Condiments

committee-spectrophotometer determination of extractable colour in

paprika, conducted by Spain and the “Z” score were found satisfactory.

Other Activities

• QEL, Kochi co-ordinated the visit of students from Christian College,

Chengannoor and explained the activities of Laboratory on 10-06-2014.

• Technical classes on instrumentation of HPLC & Chemical Parameters is

imparted to students from St. Stephens College, New Delhi.

• Sr. Chemist, imparted training to two staff from M/S. Herbal Isolates, on

Sulphur Dioxide Analysis.

• Scientist-A & Sr.Chemist attended the presentation on E-Bazar for Chillies

by Shri.G K Peethambaran on 13-06-14 at Spices Board.

• Scientist C & B attended Microbiology training on “Production of microbial

metabolites and their significance in food” at CFTRI, Mysore from 16-06-14

to 20-06-14.

• Scientist B attended the demonstration of MALDI-TOF for the identification

of bacteria (Salmonella and Escherichia coli), at Center of Excellence,

Bruker India, Bangalore on 21-06-2014.

• Scientist B attended the meeting pertinent to the visit of Malaysian

Minister to Spices Board on 25-06-14 and QEL, Kochi.

• Arranged the Laboratory visit of the Malaysian Minister and his team to

the Laboratory.

• Scientist B attended and discussed the Rapid check method for the

detection of Salmonella in spice samples and attended to the demonstration

given by Dr.Adrian, Bioazure, Mumbai on 26th & 27th June, 2014. The

enrichment technique was found to be sensitive; the detection method was

not promising since the colour code was not developed adequately to

visualize the results.

• QEL, Kochi received ASTA 2nd quarter PT samples (E.coli,

coliform and Salmonella) analysed and submitted the results and the 1st

quarter results for microbiological parameters found “Z score” satisfactory.

• QEL, Kochi updated the USFDA & RASFF alerts pertinent to Microbiology.

• Scientist B, Mumbai along with Director (Res.) visited NRCG on 20-06-14

and discussed on the collaborative project for the development of multi-

residue analytical methods in spices. The approval for the project is in

progress.

• QEL, Tuticorin drafted the procedure for drawing environmental samples

under project survey – Salmonella contamination in curry leaves. The same

is finalised and adopted as an SOP for all QELs.

• In QEL, Chennai and Guntur interview is conducted for selection of

Trainee Analysts.

VII. PUBLICITY

Spices Board participated in the following Intl' Fairs

a) "Alimentaria", Mexico during June 3-5, 2014

b) "Summer Fancy Food Show" in USA during June 29-July 1st, 2014

Generated Rs.9525/- as subscription charges of Spices Board's Publications.

Received Rs.68000/- towards advertisement charges in Spice India Magazines.

Spice India Magazine, June issue was released with theme as "Soil health matters in crop health"

Despatched Hindi Feb-2014 issue of Spice India and March-2014 is being made ready.

VIII. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

1. OLIC meeting

Convened quarterly meeting of the Official Language Implementation Committee

in HO on 27th June 2014 for April-June 2014. Director (F&E) chaired the meeting

and heads of other sections attended. Various aspects on OL policy were

discussed in the meeting. Minutes prepared in bilingual form and sent to all

officials concerned for information and necessary action.

2. Publication of Spice India(Hindi)

• Sent materials to press for February 2014 issue and did proof reading.

• Sent materials for April 2014 issue to the outsourced person for pre-press work of the magazine.

• Arranged remuneration for the original articles published in the magazine.

• Answered the qu ए ries regarding magazine from the subscribers.

3. Translation of forms into local language and hosting it in website

• The standard forms (Mktg&Dev) translated into local languages viz, Tamil,

Telugu, Bengali, Nepali and Gujarati were forwarded to the service provider [ M/s

INI Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Kochi] to host it in the official website.

• Made necessary arrangements with DD (Mktg), Guntur to translate

Marketing forms into Telugu language.

4. Reports on progressive use of OL and activities of OL section

• Sent Annual Report on progressive use of Hindi as OL to Kochi TOLIC toconsider for Rajbhasha Rolling Trophy

• Sent Report on progressive use of Hindi as OL to Dept of OL, Ministry ofCommerce & Industry to consider for Rajbhasha Award

• Sent Monthly Reports on the activities of OL section for the months of April

& May 2014 to P&C section for n/a

5. In-service training in Hindi

• Forwarded filled in Response sheets attached to the study kits for in-servicetraining, submitted by the staff members, to CHTI, New Delhi forevaluation.

• Supplied the Response sheets received after evaluation from CHTI,

New Delhi to respective staff members.

• Nominated seven officials from outstation offices for in-service Hindi

[Prabodh/Praveen/Pragya]training (July-May 2014-15 session) throughcorrespondence course under Central Hindi Training Institute, New Delhi

6) Translation

Attended routine translation works received from various sections in HO. The

works received mainly from Adminstration section [Rubber stamps/mementos],

Marketing & Development section [communication from Hindi speaking areas],

Publicity section [visiting cards].

IX.CODEX

Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) activities :

• The preparation of the first draft standard on Black White and Green

PEPPER was completed and circulated among the shadow committee

members and the experts from industry for their comments.

• The first draft standard on Thyme, Oregano and Cumin was received from

respective EWG Chairpersons and circulated among the shadow committee

members and the experts from industry for their comments.

• Comments received from the EWG Members for the first draft of the

working document on Grouping of Spices and Culinary Herbs.

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues activities :

• In light of the decisions of CCPR 45, enquired to Ms Yong Zhen YANG,

Secretary JMPR, regarding the type of toxicological data required for risk

assessment of Quinalphos which is to be submitted by India. Dr Philippe

Verger, World Health Organization has replied to our enquiry and the same

in turn submitted to Network Coordinator, AINP for further actions.

• Forty three samples of curry leaves have been obtained and submitted to

the laboratories of KAU, TNAU, ANGRAU and QEL Mumbai for analysis and

generation of monitoring data for submission to JMPR as on 20th June

2014.

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) activities :

• Nomination of Dr Anand R, Scientist B of Quality Evaluation Laboratory,

Spices Board, Cochin to participate in the EWG under CCFH for the Code

of Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture Foods has been sent to NCCP for

further actions. The EWG will undertake work to provide scientific advice

on "The low moisture foods, which should be considered as the highest

priorities for the Committee and the associated microbiological hazards.

The ranking process should include, but not be limited to, dried fruits and

dehydrated fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, cereals, dry protein

products (e.g. dried dairy products), confections (e.g. cocoa and chocolate),

snacks (e.g. spiced chips), tree nuts, desiccated coconut, seeds for

consumption, spices and dried aromatic plants."

Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) activities:

• During the 8th Session of the Committee on Contaminants in Foods held at

The Hague, The Netherlands, 1 March-4 April 2014 agreed to establish an

EWG :

• to prepare a discussion paper on the revision of maximum levels for lead in

the Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and

Feed.

• to work on a discussion paper on the feasibility for a Code of Practice for

Mycotoxins in Spices.

• Mr T.V. Zavier and Mr. Kesavan Namboothiri of Quality Evaluation

Laboratory, Spices Board, Cochin were nominated to participate in the

respective EWGs.

Participation in International Meetings:

• Formalities were initiated towards deputation of Chairman, Spices Board

and the Director Research who is also the Chairperson, CCSCH as part of

the Indian Delegation to the 37th Session of Codex Alimentarius

Commission (CAC) in Geneva, Switzerland during July 2014.

Preparation towards forthcoming Session of CCSCH :

• As per the Expression of Interest (EOIs) invited from tour operators for the

conduct of CCSCH 2, only one party was responded and a draft MoU was

submitted for their review.

Interactions with ISO :

• All queries from BIS and ISO are regularly dealt and actions initiated thereof.

e Chilli Bazaar project: Detailed Project Report ( first draft) for the e Chilli

Bazaar - e commerce platform for better market reach and price realisation for

the chilli farmers of Andhra Pradesh has been completed and submitted to the

Department of Electronics and Information Technology and Ministry of Commerce

and Industry.

…....