Post Rules, Regulations & Standards

8/6/2019 Post Rules, Regulations & Standards

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Page 1 of29GMark Consulting Limited

Post Harvest Rules, Regulations & Standards

Application of fungicides, insecticides & ripening agents

Fungicides, insecticides & ripening agents are very important elements for agriculture production but at

the same time they are very critical as inappropriate use leads to damage and even poisoning. The

appropriate use of the respective elements is described below.

Fungicide Sprays: Certain pre-harvest sprays are known to reduce decay in storage. Several studies have

been done on the effectiveness of pre-harvest ziram fungicide application on pome fruit and show an

average reduction in decay of about 25 to 50% with a single spray. Iprodione has been used for several

years as a pre-harvest spray 1 day before harvest to prevent infection of stone fruit by Monilinia spp. In

combination with wax and/or oil its decay control spectrum is increased and it will also control

postharvest fungi such as Rhizopus, and Alternaria. Several new fungicides that are being developed, or

have recently been registered promise to protect produce from a number of diseases after harvest. For

example, cyprodinil prevented gray mold infection in apple 3 mo after it was applied. The new class of

strobilurin fungicides promises to provide postharvest control of several diseases in fruit and vegetables.

They are especially effective against fruit scab on apples and should reduce the presence of pin pointscab in storage.

Fungicide treatments: Postharvest chemical treatments that are presently used are thiabendazole,

dichloran, and imazalil. However, resistance to thiabendazole and imazalil is widespread and their use as

effective materials is declining. Preservatives or antimicrobial food additives are not generally thought of

as postharvest treatments but they do control decay, and in some cases are the only means of control.

These products include sodium benzoate, the parabens, sorbic acid, propionic acid, SO2, acetic acid,

nitrites and nitrates, and antibiotics such as nisin.

Biological Control of Postharvest Pathogens: Several biological control agents have been developed in

recent years, and a few have actually been registered for use on fruit crops. The first biological control

agent developed for postharvest use was a strain of Bacillus subtilis. It controlled peach brown rot, but

when a commercial formulation of the bacterium was made, adequate disease control was not

obtained. Other bacterial microorganisms are being developed for postharvest disease control. For

example, strains of Bacillus pumilus and Pseudomonas fluorescens have been identified that exhibit

successful control of B. cinerea in field trials of citrus fruits. Yeasts such as Pichia guilliermondii and

Cryptoccocus laurentii, a yeast that occurs naturally on some fruit tree leaves, buds, and fruit were the

first to be applied for control of postharvest decay on fruit. The yeast, Candida oleophilia has been

registered for control of postharvest decay on fruit crops. Although there is no doubt that biocontrols

are effective, they do not always give consistent results. This could be because bio control efficacy is so

directly affected by the amount of pathogen inoculum present. Compatibility with chemicals used during

handling is also important. Indications are that biological control agents must be combined with other

disease control strategies if they are to provide acceptable control.

Decay control:Irradiation for Postharvest Decay Control: Gamma radiation has been studied for controlling decay,

disinfestations, and extending the storage and shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables. Dosages of 1.5 to

2 kilogray (kGy), and some cases 3.0 kGy (300 krad), have been effective in controlling decay in several

products. Low doses of 150 for fruit flies and 250 gray (Gy) for codling moth are acceptable quarantine

procedures. Commercial application of gamma radiation is limited due to the cost and size of equipment

needed for the treatment and to uncertainty about the acceptability of irradiated foods to the consumer

Gamma irradiation may be used more in the future once methyl bromide is no longer available to


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control insect infestation in stored products. All uses of methyl bromide are being phased out to avoid

any further damage to the protective layer of ozone surrounding the earth.

Temperature and RH for post harvest decay control: Proper management of temperature is so critical

to postharvest disease control that all other treatments can be considered as supplements to

refrigeration. Fruit rot fungi generally grow optimally at 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F) and can be

conveniently divided into those with a growth minimum of 5 to 10 C (41 to 50 F), or -6 to 0 C (21.2 to

32 F). Fungi with a minimum growth temperature below -2 C (28.4 F) cannot be completely stopped

by refrigeration without freezing fruit. However, temperatures as low as possible are desirable because

they significantly slow growth and thus reduce decay. High temperature may be used to control

postharvest decay on crops that are injured by low temperatures such as mango, papaya, pepper, and

tomato. Although hot water generally is more effective, hot air has been used to control decay in crops

that are injured by hot water. Heat treatment eliminates incipient infections and improves coverage by

fungicides. The primary obstacle to the widespread use of heat to control postharvest fruit diseases or

insect infestation is the sensitivity of many fruit to the temperatures required for effective treatment.

Both low and high RH has been related to postharvest decay control. Perforated polyethylene bags forfruit and vegetable storage create RH about 5 to 10% above that in storage rooms. Although shrivel and

weight loss are reduced, decay may be increased. Crops such as apples and pears with well-developed

cuticle and epidermis, tolerate lower RH levels that help prevent storage decay. Often fungal spore

germination is inhibited at low RH, and small differences in RH can have significant effects in relation to

the degree of postharvest decay.

Integrated Control of Postharvest Diseases:

Effective and consistent control of storage diseases is dependent upon integration of the following

practices:

y Select disease resistant cultivars where possible.y Maintain correct crop nutrition by use of leaf and soil analysis.y Irrigate based on crop requirements and avoid overhead irrigation.y Apply pre-harvest treatments to control insects and diseases.y Harvest the crop at the correct maturity for storage.y Apply postharvest treatments to disinfest and control diseases and

disorders on produce.

y Maintain good sanitation in packing areas and keep dump water free ofcontamination.

y Store produce under conditions least conducive to growth of pathogens.Heat treatment reduced the pathogen population on the fruit surface but did not provide any residual

protection. The residual protection was provided by calcium, and the bio control agent added to thecontrol provided by the heat treatment. As a general rule, alternatives to chemical control are often less

effective than many fungicides. It is highly unlikely that any one alternative method alone will give the

same level of control as fungicides. Therefore, it will generally be necessary to combine several

alternative methods to develop an integrated strategy to successfully reduce postharvest decay.

(Source: http://www.ba.ars.usda.gov/hb66/022pathology.pdf)


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Bangladesh Food Safety Laws and Regulations

Pure Food Ordinance, 1959 and Pure Food Rules, 1967; The Animals Slaughter (Restriction) and Meat

Control (Amendment) Ordinance 1983; BSTI ordinance 1985 (has been amended as BSTI (amendment)

Act 2003); Destructive Insects and Pests Rules (Plant Quarantine) 1966, amended up to 1989;

Agricultural Produce Market Act 1964 (revised in 1985); Fish Protection & Conservation Act, 1950(latest

amendment in 1995); Marine Fisheries Ordinance 1983 and Rules 1983; Fish & Fish Products (Inspection

& Quality Control Ordinance, 1983; Fish & Fish Products (Inspection & Quality Control) Rules1997; The

Essential Commodity Act 1957, 58, 64; The Food or Special Courts Act 1956; The Food Grain Supply

(Prevention of Prejudicial Activity) Ordinance 1956; The pesticides Ordinance-1971 & The pesticides

Rules-1985. (Source: http://www.fao.org/docrep/meeting/006/ad730e/ad730e00.htm)

Rules and regulations related to postharvest issues in Bangladesh

Rules / Act Elaboration in brief

Bangladesh Pure

Food Ordinance,

1959(Ordinance No.

LXVIII of 1959)

Adulteration of foodstuffs is an act of dishonest tradesmen who intend to make

maximum profit from minimum investment. Random manufacture of adulterated

foodstuffs unsuitable for human consumption led to a resolve to combat this

trend in order to maintain a standard of purity for the preservation of public

health. The legal philosophy for protection of the consumers from intake ofadulterated food articles resulted in the inclusion of some provisions in the Penal

Code, 1860 (Act No. XLV of 1860) making adulteration of food or drink and sale of

noxious food or drink punishable under sections 272, 273,274,275 and 276 of the

said Code.

The Bangladesh

Standards And

Testing

Institution

Ordinance, 1985

An Ordinance to provide for the establishment of an Institution for

standardization, testing, metrology, quality control, grading and marking of

goods.

Standards of

Weights and

Measures

(Packaged

Commodity)

Rules, 1977

Pre-packed Commodity, means a commodity, which without the purchaser being

present, is placed in a package of whatever nature, whether sealed or opened, sothat the commodity contain therein has a pre determined value and includes

those commodities which could be taken out of the package for testing or

examining or inspecting the commodity.

Every pre packaged commodity before kept for sale shall bear there on following

declarations.

Name and address of the manufacturer or packer or importer.

Generic name of the commodity.

Net quantity in terms of standard units of weight or measure or number.

Month and year in which a commodity is manufactured or packed or imported.

Retail sale price of package in the form of maximum retail price........ Inclusive of

all taxes or in the form of MRP Rs...... Inclusive of all taxes.

Bangladesh Food Safety Regulations

There are several laws in Bangladesh for maintaining health and safety standards. This writer like to give

a short statement of those rules and laws so that the related official legal documents for health and

safety in the past, present and future, can be better understood. All information, related thereto, was

gathered from a seminar of global forum for food safety regulators held in Bangkok in 2004 organised by

the FAO/WHO


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(a) The Bangladesh Pure Food Ordinance, 1959: This is an ordinance to provide better control of

the manufacture and sale of food for human consumption. Now, this Ordinance is under

revision as 'The Bangladesh Pure Food (Amendment) Act'. Under this Act, it has been proposed

to constitute a National Food Safety Council, headed by the Ministry of Health and Family

Welfare as well as to establish Food Courts.

(b) The Bangladesh Pure Food Rules, 1967: In this Rule, there are generic standards for 107 food

products. Now, this 'Rules' is under revision.

(c) The Food Grain Supply (Prevention of Prejudicial activity) Ordinance, 1956 (Ord. xxvi of

1979): This ordinance provides special measures for prevention of prejudicial activity relating to

the storage, movement, transshipment, supply and distribution of food grains. It provides basis

for the protection of false statement or information.

(d) The Radiation Protection Act, 1987: Under this Act, the Institute of Food and Radiation

Biology (IFRB) of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission is primarily involved in food irradiation

research and development in the country.

(e) The Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Act, 1989: The Government has enacted

"The Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Act, 1989 for universal salt iodisation and banned

non-iodised salt from market, aimed at virtual elimination of IDD from the country.

(f) The Essential Commodity Act, 1990: The purpose of administering this act is to stabilise,maintain or increase supply of essential commodities including foodstuffs. The mandate of

Essential Commodity Act also includes broad spectrum of activities like storage, transport,

distribution, disposal, acquisition, use or consumption of any essential commodity.

(g) Fish and Fish product (Inspection and Quality Control) Rules, 1997: Under this section of the

Fish and Fish products (Inspection and Control) Ordinance 1983 (Ord xx of 1983) and in

conjunction with fish and fish products Inspection and Quality Rules 1989, and other related

provisions made thereunder, the government has made the Rules: Fish and Fish product

(Inspection and Quality Control) Rules, 1997. These Rules are basically meant to develop quality

improvement to promote export trade. The quality control of fish and fish products in the

country has earned reputation among the importing countries.

(h) Other Laws and Regulations: In addition, a number of other Laws and Regulations exist in thecountry to ensure the safe and quality food viz. The Animal Slaughter (Restriction) and Meat

Control (Amendment) Ordinance, 1983 (it is under revision);The Pesticide Ordinance, 1971 &

the Pesticides Rules, 1985; Destructive Insects and Pests Rules (Plant Quarantine), 1966,

amended up to 1989; Agricultural Products Market Act, 1950 (revised in 1985); Fish Protection

and Conservation Act, 1950 (amended in 1995);Marine Fisheries Ordinance 1983 and Rules,

1983; Procurement Specifications, Ministry of Food, Rice Mill Control Order etc.

(i) The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution Ordinance, 1985: This ordinance relates to

establishment of an institution for standardisation, testing, metrology, quality control, grading

and marking of goods. Within the framework of this ordinance, the government has established

the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI). One import task of this organisation is

to certify the quality of commodities, materials, whether for local consumption or for export and

import. The Ordinance has been amended as The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution

(Amendment) Act, 2003.

It is known from the website (http://www.bsti.gov.bd/about.html) of The Bangladesh Standards

& Testing Institution that it is a body made corporate under the law entitled, "The Bangladesh

Standards and Testing Institution Ordinance, No. XXXVII of 1985". Since its establishment, it is

the sole body to look after the quality of the products in Bangladesh.(Source: http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2008/09/10/45060.html)


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FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY CONTROL FRAMEWORK

Bangladesh has four tires in administration-Division, District, Upazila (sub-district) and Union. There are

6 Divisions, 64 Districts, 470 Upazilas and 4,484 Unions. The country has also 6 City Corporations and

254 Municipalities (as of August, 2001).

In Bangladesh, the food safety and quality control framework consists of Laws, Regulations & Standards,

Administration & Inspection and Laboratory analytical services.

Food Related Laws & Regulations

(a) The Bangladesh Pure Food Ordinance, 1959: This is an ordinance to provide better control of the

manufacture and sale of food for human consumption. Now, this Ordinance is under revision as The

Bangladesh Pure Food (Amendment) Act, 2004.Under this Act, it has been proposed to constitute a

National Food Safety Council headed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as well as to

establish Food Courts.

(b) The Bangladesh Pure Food Rules, 1967:.In this Rule, there are generic standards for 107 food

products. Now, this Rules' is under revision.

(c) The Special Power Act, 1974(Act No XIV of 1974-as modified up to the 31st

July, 1978): An Act to

provide special measures for the prevention of certain prejudicial activities, for more speedy trial and

effective punishment of certain grave offences.(d) The Food Grain Supply (Prevention of Prejudicial activity) Ordinance, 1956(Ord. xxvi of 1979): This

ordinance provides special measures for prevention of prejudicial activity relating to the storage,

movement, transshipment, supply and distribution of food grains. It provides basis for the protection of

false statement or information.

(e) The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution Ordinance, 1985: This ordinance is to establish an

Institution for standardization, testing, metrology, quality control, grading and marking of goods. Within

the framework of this ordinance, Government has established the Bangladesh Standards and Testing

Institution (BSTI).One import task is to certify the quality of commodities, materials, whether for local

consumption, export and import. The Ordinance has been amended as The Bangladesh Standards and

Testing Institution (Amendment) Act, 2003. Currently, BSTI is developing a Policy on Labelling'. BSTI is

the Codex Focal Point for Bangladesh.

(f) The Radiation Protection Act, 1987: Under this Act, the Institute of Food and Radiation Biology (IFRB)

of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission is primarily involved in food irradiation research and

development in the country.

(g) The Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Act, 1989: The Government has enacted The Iodine

Deficiency Disorders Prevention Act, 1989 for universal salt iodisation & banned non-iodised salt from

market, aimed at virtual elimination of IDD from the country.

(h) The Essential Commodity Act, 1990: The purpose of administering this act is to stable, maintain or

increase supply of essential commodities including foodstuffs. The mandate of Essential Commodity Act

also includes broad spectrum of broad spectrum of activities like storage, transport, distribution,

disposal, acquisition, use or consumption of any essential commodity.

(i) Fish and Fish product (Inspection and Quality Control) Rules, 1997: This section of the Fish and Fish

products (Inspection and Control) Ordinance 1983 (Ord xx of 1983) and in conjunction with fish and fishproducts Inspection and Quality Rules 1989, and other related provisions made thereunder, the

Government has made the Rules: Fish and Fish product (Inspection and Quality Control) Rules, 1997.

These Rules are basically meant to develop quality improvement to promote export of trade. The quality

control of fish and fish products in the country has earned reputation of the importing countries.

(j) Other Laws and Regulations: In addition, a number of other Laws and Regulations are existed in the

country to ensure the safe and quality food viz. The Animal Slaughter (Restriction) and Meat Control

(Amendment) Ordinance,1983 (it is under revision);The Pesticide Ordinance,1971 & the Pesticides


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Rules,1985;Destructive Insects and Pests Rules (Plant Quarantine),1966,amended up to

1989;Agricultural Products Market Act,1950 (revised in 1985);Fish Protection and Conservation Act,1950

(amended in 1995);Marine Fisheries Ordinance 1983 and Rules,1983;Procuremnet Specifications,

Ministry of Food, Rice Mill Control Order etc. To protect the consumers rights and privileges a new Act

i.e. Consumers' Protection Act, 2004 is to be passed soon. There are also a number of policies i.e.

Bangladesh Food and Nutrition Policy, 1997 and National Plan of Action on Nutrition, National

Agricultural Policy, 1999; Integrated Pest Management Policy, 2002 etc are linked with the country's

food safety and quality control. (Source: http://www.fao.org/docrep/meeting/008/ae335e.htm)

Regulatory issues on packaging of fruits & vegetables

There are some rules and regulations to guide the packaging practice and standard. Such rules and

regulations covers labeling guidelines, maximum wastage limit, probable packaging sizes, punitive action

etc. Along with the rules and regulations, some policies are also taken to make the packaging more

developed. The policies and acts regarding this industry are mentioned below:

1. Existing Policies regarding packagingSome policies are taken to make the packaging service market more standardized supported by rules

and regulations. Some institutional bodies like CAB, BCSIR and BSTI, Department of Environment etc aredealing with these issues to some extent. The policies regarding packaging service market are

y The plastic which are hazardous to health on the basis of thickness will be banned.(Thethickness should be less than 100 micron in any type of plastic packaging)

y A product must be declared, either in weight or in volume or in number.y The weight of Packaged Commodities should be in specified quantities.2. Labeling rules for any types of product packaging

To package a product properly, some certain information must be given on a package of the product. To

ensure that the necessary information is given on every product package and to standardize the labeling

practice some rules and regulations are currently in action which are-

y The name and address of the manufacturer or where the manufacturer is not the packer, thename and address of the manufacturer and packery The common or generic names of the commodity contained in the package; explanation-y Generic name in relation to a commodity means the name of the genus of the commodity, for

example, in the case of common salt; sodium chloride is the generic name.

y The net quantity, in terms of the standard unit of weight or measure, of the commoditycontained in the package or where the commodity is packed or sold by number, of the

commodity contained in the package;

y The month and year in which the commodity is manufactured or pre-packedy The sale price of the packagey Where the sizes of the commodity contained in the package are relevant, the dimensions of the

commodity contained in the package and if the dimensions of the different pieces are different,the dimensions of each such different piece;

y Such other matters as are specified in these rulesy Every package shall bear a label with a securely affixed thereto, a definite, plain and conspicuous

declaration, made in accordance with the provisions of this rules described above.

3. Rules of BSTI regarding Packaging:Currently BSTI implement and monitor packaging practices by three rules and regulations namely


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y The standards of Weight and Measures (Packaged Commodities) rules, 1982,y Product Labeling Regulation, 2006 andy The Standard of Weight and Measures (Packaged Commodities) regulation, 2007

(Source: Scoping Study Report: To assess the viability and effectiveness of a packaging service development market focused

towards the rural sector by GMark consulting Ltd. February 09, 2011)


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International Standards related to Packaging of Different Agro Products

International Standard of Packaging of Banana: The international standards for Banana packaging

varies a lot and are often disputed while one standard is compared with others. For example, Codex

Alimentarius Commission (CAC), UN-Commission of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and

the World Health Organization (WHO) have varied standards.

Codex Standard for Bananas (Alinorm 97/35, Appendix III)-This standard provides provisions

concerning quality, sizing, tolerances, presentation, marking or labeling, contaminants, and hygiene.

In short, quality means freedom from any visual damage, pest or deformation, and state of physiological

development allowing reaching maturity. Bananas are classified sharply into three classes, Extra, I

(superficial defects not exceeding 2 cm2) and II (superficial defects not exceeding 4 cm2).

y Minimum length: 14.0 cmy Minimum grade: 2.7 cmy Quality tolerances are 5 to 10 percent only meeting the requirements of the next lower class.y Size tolerance is 10 percent.

The presentation shall guarantee uniformity and the packaging shall provide a proper protection of the

produce.

Labeling is restricted to a very limited list: identification, nature of produce, origin of produce, andcommercial identification (e.g. class).

For contaminants, there is only a provision that bananas shall be free from heavy metals in amounts

which may represent a hazard to human health, and a provision that bananas shall comply with the

maximum residue limits established by Codex.

For hygiene, there is a reference to the Recommended International Code of Practice - General

Principles of Food Hygiene (see below) and the provision, that bananas shall be free from

microorganisms, parasites or substances originating from microorganisms which may represent a hazard

to health.

International Standard for Packaging Mangoes: CODEX STANDARD FOR MANGOES-(CODEX STAN 184-

1993, AMD. 1-2005) applies to commercial varieties of mangoes grown from Mangifera indica L., of theAnacardiaceae family, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, after preparation and packaging. The

standard states that- Mangoes must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly. The

materials used inside the package must be new1, clean, and of a quality such as to avoid causing any

external or internal damage to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps

bearing trade specifications is allowed, provided the printing or labeling has been done with non-toxic

ink or glue. Mangoes shall be packed in each container in compliance with the Recommended

International Code of Practice for Packaging and Transport of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.

y Containers -The containers shall meet the quality, hygiene, ventilation and resistancecharacteristics to ensure suitable handling, shipping and preserving of the mangoes. Packages

(or lot for produce presented in bulk) must be free of all foreign matter and smell.

y Marking or Labeling for Consumer Packages- In addition to the requirements of the Codex,General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (CODEX STAN 1-1985, Rev. 1-1991),

the specific provisions apply based on the nature of produce which states that if the produce is

not visible from the outside, each package shall be labeled as to the name of the produce and

may be labeled as to name of the variety.

y Non-Retail Containers - Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped onthe same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from the outside, or in the documents

accompanying the shipment. For produce transported in bulk, these particulars must appear on

a document accompanying the goods.


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y Identification - Name and address of exporter, packer and/or dispatcher shall be provided. ForCommercial identification Class, Size (size code or weight range in grams), Number of units

(optional), Net weight (optional), Official Inspection Mark (optional) shall be mentioned. In

addition to this, the Country of origin, and optionally district, where grown or national, regional

or local place name shall be included.

y Heavy Metals- Mangoes shall comply with those maximum levels for heavy metals establishedby the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity.

y Pesticide Residues- Mangoes shall comply with those maximum pesticide residue limitsestablished by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity.

y Hygiene- It is recommended that the produce covered by the provisions of this Standard beprepared and handled in accordance with the appropriate sections of the Recommended

International Code of Practice General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 4-

2003), Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CAC/RCP 53-2003), and other

relevant Codex texts such as Codes of Hygienic Practice and Codes of Practice. The produce

should comply with any microbiological criteria established in accordance with the Principles for

the Establishment and Application of Microbiological Criteria for Foods (CAC/GL 21-1997).






addition to this, the Country of origin, and optionally district, where grown or national, regional

or local place name shall be included.

y Heavy Metals- Mangoes shall comply with those maximum levels for heavy metals establishedby the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity.

y Pesticide Residues- Mangoes shall comply with those maximum pesticide residue limitsestablished by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity.

y Hygiene- It is recommended that the produce covered by the provisions of this Standard beprepared and handled in accordance with the appropriate sections of the Recommended

International Code of Practice General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 4-

2003), Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CAC/RCP 53-2003), and other

relevant Codex texts such as Codes of Hygienic Practice and Codes of Practice. The produce

should comply with any microbiological criteria established in accordance with the Principles for

the Establishment and Application of Microbiological Criteria for Foods (CAC/GL 21-1997).

International Standard of Packaging Pineapple: CODEX STANDARD FOR PINEAPPLES-(CODEX STAN 182-

1993, REV. 1-1999, AMD. 1-2005) applies to commercial varieties of pineapples grown from Ananas

comosus (L.) Merr., of the Bromeliaceae family, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, after preparation

and packaging. The Standard is stated as-Pineapples must be packed in such a way as to protect theproduce properly. The materials used inside the package must be new4, clean, and of a quality such as

to avoid causing any external or internal damage to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of

paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed, provided the printing or labeling has been done

with non-toxic ink or glue.

Pineapples shall be packed in each container in compliance with the Recommended International Code

of Practice for Packaging and Transport of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CAC/RCP 44-1995, Amd. 1-2004).


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y Containers- The containers shall meet the quality, hygiene, ventilation and resistancecharacteristics to ensure suitable handling, shipping and preserving of the mangoes. Packages

(or lot for produce presented in bulk) must be free of all foreign matter and smell.

y Marking or Labeling for Consumer Packages- In addition to the requirements of the Codex,General Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (CODEX STAN 1-1985, Rev. 1-1991),

the specific provisions apply based on the nature of produce which states that if the produce is

not visible from the outside, each package shall be labeled as to the name of the produce and

may be labeled as to name of the variety.






addition to this, the Country of origin, and optionally district, where grown or names of

national, regional or local places shall be included.

International Standard of Packaging Papaya:

CODEX STANDARD FOR PAPAYA -This standard applies to fruits of commercial varieties of papayas

grown from Carica papaya L. of the Caricaceae family, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, after

preparation and packaging.

This international standard states that papayas must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce

properly. The materials used inside the packages must be new, clean, and of a quality such as to avoid

causing any external or internal damage to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or

stamps bearing trade specifications, is allowed, provided the printing or labeling has been done with

non-toxic ink or glue.

Papayas shall be packed in each container in compliance with the Code of Practice for Packaging and

Transport of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CAC/RCP 44-1995).

y Containers- The containers shall meet the quality, hygiene, ventilation and resistancecharacteristics to ensure suitable handling, shipping and preserving of the papayas. Packages (or

lot for produce presented in bulk) must be free from all foreign matter and smell.

y Marking or Labeling for Consumer Packages- In addition to the requirements of the CodexGeneral Standard for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (CODEX STAN 1-1985, Rev. 1-1991), the

following specific provisions should apply:

y Nature of Produce- If the produce is not visible from outside, each package should be labeled asto the name of the produce and may be labeled as to the name of the variety and/or

commercial type.

y Non-Retail containers- Each package must bear the following particulars- in letters grouped onthe same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from the outside, or in the documents

accompanying the shipment.y Identification- Name and address of exporter, packer and/or dispatcher along with identification

code should be included. It will also include name of produce and name of variety and/or

commercial type if the contents are not visible from outside. Again, it includes country of origin

and optionally, district, place where grown and it will identify whether the product is a national,

regional or a local one. For commercial identification, size (size code or average weight in gram,

number of units, and net weight shall be included. For produce transported in bulk, the above

particulars must appear on a document accompanying the goods.


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y Hygiene- It is recommended that the product covered by the provisions of this standard beprepared and handled in accordance with the appropriate sections of the Recommended

International Code of Practice - General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 3-

1997), and other relevant Codex texts such as Codes of Hygienic Practice and Codes of Practice.

International Standard for Packaging Vegetables: The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has

formulated a number of standards for the fresh fruit and vegetable sector in order to improve the

quality of products, available for local consumption as well as exportation. These include the

specifications for grades of banana, pineapple, watermelon, cassava, eddoes, plantains and hot peppers.

These standards have been harmonized with international standards, mainly codex standards.

The GNBS has formulated three standards which will further enhance the operations in this sector.

These are:

y Code of practice for the packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables. This code of practice specifieshygienic practices for the production and packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables. It addresses

microbial, physical and chemical hazards, as these relate to good agricultural and

manufacturing practices.

y Guidelines for the production, processing, labeling and marketing of organically producedfoods. The guidelines set out the principles of organic production at farms, preparation,transport, labeling and marketing stages, and provide an indication of accepted permissible

inputs for soil fertilizing and conditioning, plant pest and disease control, food additives and

processing aids.

y Guidelines for good management practices for micro and small enterprises: The guidelines inthis standard set out the principles for implementing a Quality Management System,

Environmental Management System and an Occupational Health and Safety Management

System in all small enterprises, including the fresh fruit and vegetable sector.

When farmers utilize available standards there will be a further increase in demand for local fruits and

vegetables on the international market, which will require expansion in their level of production, hence

a significant increase in revenue.

Further, it is compulsory that Guyana as an exporting country of fresh fruits and vegetables comply withthe international quality and safety standards promulgated by international standards institutions under

the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary measures (SPS).

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has developed a Code of Practice for the packaging

and transport of tropical fresh fruits and vegetables for agriculture stakeholders. The Code has been

developed through the combined efforts of the Technical Committee Agriculture and Sub-committee

crops. It will provide guidelines that will inform farmers and other key stakeholders in the agriculture

sector about the safe packaging, handling and transport of tropical fresh fruits and vegetables from the

farm to the market place. This standard has also benefited from inputs from CAC/RCP 44-1995

International Code of Practice for the packaging and transport of tropical fresh fruits and vegetables

and was adapted, finalized and approved by the National Standards Council as a national standard. It

will help to ensure that fresh fruits and vegetables maintain their quality upon arrival at their

destinations, the release said. The GNBS said that the document addresses key elements like proper

packaging, handling and transport practices of fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain quality; mode and

suitability of transportation, type of equipment, degree of produce perishableness, amount of produce

to be transported, recommended storage temperature, time in transit to reach destination by air, land

or sea, external temperature conditions at origin and destination points and the value of the produce.

The Code also addresses loading methods, refrigeration specifications, packaging conditions and

techniques and pre-cooling practices.


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(Source: In depth Study: To assess the potential of packaging as a service market in selected products

and how it impacts on the poor and develop a strategy for the service market by GMark Consulting Ltd.,

December 2009)


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Policies Regarding Post-harvest Management of Fruits & Vegetables

Government Policy: The Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh has declared agriculture as

a thrust sector in recognition of its multi-faceted contribution to the national economy. The government

has taken the initiative to modernize the agricultural sector in light of WTO rules and SAPTA and other

international treaties. The main elements of National Agriculture Policy include developing profitableand sustainable agricultural production systems, enhancing the purchasing power of farmers by

increasing their real income, increasing the production and supply of agricultural produce suitable for

the agro-processing sector, reducing imports of agricultural produce and products, increasing exports

and facilitating the development of agro-processing industries. The government has accorded priority to

the expansion of agri-business. Cash incentives are being provided for the export of frozen foods, agro-

based products, vegetables, fruits etc. in order to promote export oriented agro-based industries. The

Government has provided a tax rebate for agro-processing industries, poultry farming, dairy,

pisciculture, and horticulture in order to encourage investment in these sectors. The government has

also declared the agro-based industry, frozen meat industry, jute industry, and the silk industries as

thrust sectors and financial institutions have been instructed to reduce interest rates and provide

additional long-term loans to these sub-sectors. The Honorable Prime Minister of the country has urged

both domestic and foreign investors to increase their investment in these sectors, given the potential

and demand for agro-products in Bangladesh. The Government is also ready and eager to provide all

necessary assistance to expedite development of the fruit and vegetable processing sector.

Future strategies & policy issues:

1. Priority must be accorded to the postharvest sector so as to ensure food security, alleviate poverty,

increase employment opportunities and promote national and foreign investment.

2. A platform of networks should be created among growers, entrepreneurs, technology providers and

consumers in order to provide the impetus required for accelerated investment in the sector.

3. Postharvest research and development programs must be established at the national level in order to

generate appropriate postharvest technologies, for pre-harvest treatment, harvesting at proper

maturity stages, postharvest handling of fresh produce, the application of postharvest treatments, costeffective packaging, appropriate transportation, the production of value added products, and product

formulation, dehydration and processing to assure quality and food security.

4. Human resource development is required at all levels. Education and training of scientists,

processors, extension agents, farmers, industrialists and marketing agents is also required. All human

resource programs should consist of long- and short-term activities.

5. On-farm sorting, pre-cooling, packing and storage facilities for fruits and vegetables are essentially

required for distant/export marketing.

6. Roads, storage facilities, cold storage structures and the legislation required to maintain these in

good condition are required for proper functioning of postharvest infrastructure.

7. Quality standards are to be maintained for food safety, security and international trade.

8. Equipment manufacturers must be supported.

9. Financial and technical support for the development of packaging industries is required.

10. Fiscal policies which are conducive to development are required. Anomalies in duties and taxes

should be removed.

11. Sharing of information may be promoted through electronic media the dissemination of appropriate

literature, and through the organization of training courses, meetings and conferences at the national

and international level. Short video films, cartoon films emphasizing the nutritional, medicinal and

therapeutic properties of processed fruits and vegetables would also be useful.(Source: http://www.apo-tokyo.org/00e-books/AG-18_PostHarvest/AG-18_PostHarvest.pdf)


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Objectives of the National Agriculture Policy

The National Agriculture Policy broadly aims at creating an enabling environment forsustainable growth

of agriculture for reducing poverty and ensuring food security through increased crop production and

employment opportunity as envisaged in National Strategy forAccelerated Poverty Reduction (NSAPR),

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and SAARC Development Goals (SDGs).

Specific Objectives:The specific objectives are:

I. Developing and harnessing improved technologies through research and training;II. Increasing productivity and generating income and employment by transferring

appropriate technologies and managing inputs;

III. Promoting competitiveness through commercialization of agriculture; andIV. Establishing a self-reliant and sustainable agriculture adaptive to climate change and

responsive to farmers needs.

Technology marketing: The Government will promote Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for new

innovation in agriculture.

Agricultural extension

Agricultural Extension: Agricultural extension is the key driving force for the growth and development of

agriculture in Bangladesh. To increase farm productivity and farmers income access to new technology

is required. The role of extension is to deliver services and to speed up farmers access to and adoption

of new technology. The Government is mandated to providing efficient and effective need based

extension services to farmers to enable them to optimize their use of resource to augment self-

sufficiency in food production and to improve their nutritional status. For this, there is an increasing

need for strengthening agricultural extension services to ensure production system on a sustainable

basis. Appropriate institutional arrangement needs to be established so that research and extension can

interact effectively with each other and with farmers to address the critical needs of the production

practices at the farm level. The following provisions are adopted to make extension services moreefficient and effective:

Role of Extension: The Government recognizes agricultural extension as a service delivery system which

will assist farmers through appropriate technical and farm management advice and information, new

technology, improved farming methods and techniques aimed at increasing production efficiency and

income.

Extension Coverage

I. The Government will promote public, private and voluntary extension initiatives to achievediverse agricultural goals and to address needs of target populations.

II. Extension services will be provided to all categories of farmers: landless, marginal, small,medium, large with special emphasis on women and youths.

III. The Government will decentralize extension activities at the grass-roots level to deliver efficientand coordinated services.

Extension Approach

I. Farmers either individuals, or as groups, will be encouraged to voice their needs and problemsto extension staff. They will act as basic source of information and feedback to strengthen

service network to their needs.


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II. The Government will make a shift from the top-down, hierarchical approach to bottomupparticipatory approach in which farmers, researchers and extension workers will serve as peers.

III. The Government will recognize and adopt approaches that emerge locally through growingunderstanding of the nature of technological change, learning and adaptation to prevailing

situations.

IV. Collaboration will be initiated among research and extension organizations and universities inthe field of adaptive research.

V. The Government will encourage promotion of crops suitable to agro-climatic conditions of aparticular region based on crop zoning.

Agricultural Education and Training

I. Agricultural education system, especially at the diploma level will be strengthened and updated.II. Training will be administered on a regular basis to ensure effective extension-technology

transfer and technology design and planning. Training for farmers and officials at all levels as

basic mechanism will be implemented for enhancing occupational competence, professionalism

and service morale.

Communication MediaI. Traditional and advanced media and ICT will be utilized to disseminate extension services.

II. Agricultural Information Service (AIS) will be strengthened both in terms of workforce andmodern facilities to enable effective information dissemination and technology transfer.

III. Dissemination of agricultural information and technology through print and electronic mediawill be strengthened focusing on enhanced collaboration among AIS, BTV and

IV. Bangladesh Betar along with other private TV and radio channels.Partnership

I. The Government will facilitate extension events that foster GO-NGO-private sector partnership.II. The Government will encourage public private partnership for production of agricultural

commodities.III. Strategies will be taken to deliver extension services in collaboration with local government at

Union and Upazila levels.

IV. The Government through Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and allied agencies willmaintain liaison with the NGOs and other development partners at local level for cooperation

and coordination.

Agricultural Productivity

I. The Government will continue and strengthen its support for major crops related to foodsecurity and livelihood options. In addition measures will be taken to promote high value crops

to enhance farmers income and boost agricultural export.

II. Measures will be taken to increase cropping intensity, especially by bringing fallow land undercultivation.

III. Diversification of agriculture will be pursued to promote food based nutrition security.IV. The Government will monitor the supply, availability and distribution of inputs (seed, fertilizer,

pesticides, irrigation, etc.) to farmers through DAE, BADC and other service providers.

V. Efforts will be taken to provide micro-credit support at preferential rate for selective crops.VI. Adequate financial support in the form of credit will be extended to the farmers to encourage

production. Small, marginal and tenant farmers will be given preference to agricultural credit.


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VII. In order to make agricultural credit more accessible Agricultural Credit Foundation following themodel of PKSF may be formed.

Agri-business Opportunities for Private Sector

I. The Government will provide technological support to private entrepreneurs and farmers toundertake agri-business activities.

II. Enabling conditions will be created to expand local and overseas markets for agribusinessopportunities.

Quality Assurance

I. The Government will promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in production and in supplychain management.

II. Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures will be ensured during production, processing andmarketing.

III. Quarantine services will be strengthened to meet the needs of both domestic and exportmarket.

Programme for Agro-ecologically Disadvantaged Regions: The Government will pursue programme forhilly area, drought-prone area, Barind tract char land, monga-prone area, haor-baor and coastal belt

with appropriate technological support.

Addressing Vulnerabilities

I. To facilitate multiple approaches during and after crises the Government will combineimmediate assistance, and short, mid and long term development programme for the affected

farmers to enhance productivity and to create employment involving the private bodies, NGOs,

philanthropic organizations and private individuals.

II. The Government will undertake agricultural rehabilitation programme immediately after theoccurrence of natural calamities to overcome crop damage.

III.

Measures will be taken to protect crops in the coastal, haor, beel and char areas keepingharmony with other sub-sector production.

IV. The Government may consider introducing crop insurance programme.V. The MoA may consider establishment of an agricultural disaster response fund in the

VI. MoA to start post disaster rehabilitation programme immediately after a disaster.Environmental and Resource Conservation

I. The Government will promote modern eco-friendly technology and infrastructure for a safe andsustainable future.

II. Integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated crop management (ICM) will be promotedfor conservation of biodiversity and sustainable land & water management.

III. Measures will be taken to restrict the conversion of agricultural land for non agriculturalpurposes.

Labor and Child Labor in Agriculture

I. Welfare of agricultural laborers will be streamlined in development programmes and projects.II. The Government will fully discourage engagement of child labour in hazardous agricultural

activities.

III. The Government and relevant agencies will organize awareness-building programmes toprevent child labor in agriculture.


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IV. Care must be taken so that childrens opportunities for food, education and life skills are notblocked.

Seeds and Planting Materials: At present, only a small portion of the required quality seeds for different

crops is made available mostly by the public sector. Few seed companies and NGOs have started

supplying quality seed primarily hybrids of rice, maize and vegetables. A portion of the required quality

seed is produced, preserved and used under private management especially at the farmers level.

Breeding, Development and Maintenance of Crop Varieties

I. Private persons, companies and other agencies will be encouraged to undertake plant breedingprogrammes and to import breeder/ foundation seeds of notified crops for variety development

and promotional purposes.

II. Individuals, companies or agencies engaged in the seed production and business will beprovided access to institutional credit at preferential rates of interest.

III. Balanced development of the seed sector will be promoted by providing opportunities to thepublic sector and the private sector at all stages of the seed industry from breeding to

marketing.

IV. Any individual, company or agency willing to embark upon breeding, developing and registeringnew seed varieties, or package seed in labeled containers must be registered with the Seed

Wing, MoA or the competent authority to be declared by the Government.

Multiplication and Distribution of Seed

I. Access to Breeder Seed and Foundation Seed will be facilitated by public, private agencies andfarmers.

II. The government will maintain seed security stock to cope with the emergent or contingentsituations.

III. The private sector will be encouraged to build necessary facilities for seed production,processing, preservation and marketing.

Support to Public and Private Sector Seed Industries

I. The competency of the contract farmers will be developed by the public sector and the privatesector to grow quality seeds.

II. The public sector and the private sector will initiate programmes to create awareness amongfarmers for adoption of new varieties and new technologies in the farmers field.

Strengthening Quality Control of Seed

I. Seed certification and enforcement of seed regulations will be strengthened for increasingavailability of quality seeds.

II. Quality assurance of seed will be enforced at all stages of seed system from production tomarketing including seed import and export.

Fertilizer: Fertilizer is one of the critical inputs required for increasing crop production. The expansion of

modern agricultural practices together with intensified cultivation has led to an increasing demand for

fertilizers. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure timely supply of fertilizers to meet the increasing

demand. Imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers is causing land degradation excessive mining of plant

nutrients resulting in the decline of soil fertility on the one hand and reduction in the potential yield on

the other. It is, therefore, important to adopt pragmatic measure so as to encourage farmers in using


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balanced fertilizers to maintain soil fertility. To strengthen fertilizer management, the government will

pursue following principles:

Procurement and Distribution

I. Procurement and distribution of fertilizers both in the private and the public sector willcontinue.

II. Steps will be taken to maintain a fertil izer buffer stock at the regional, district and upazilla level.Quality Control

I. The Government will facilitate availability of quality fertilizers at farmers level.II. Production, importation, marketing, distribution and use of any kinds of fertilizer that are

harmful or detrimental to plant, soil, flora and fauna will be banned.

III. The Government will strengthen analytical facilities to assess the quality of fertilizers.Promotion of Organic Fertilizer and Balanced Fertilizer Use

I. The Government will encourage use of organic manure, compost and bio-fertilizer at farmerslevel.

II. Awareness will be built to follow suitable cropping patterns to maintain natural balance of soilnutrients.

III. Necessary support will be given to farmers to encourage use of balanced and organic fertilizer.Training

I. Appropriate training will be imparted to farmers in using balanced fertilizers.II. Training will be extended to officials, scientists, traders, distributors and entrepreneurs for

capacity strengthening on fertilizer management.

Fertilizer Monitoring: The Government will monitor supply, storage, price and quality of fertilizer at

various levels.

Irrigation: Irrigation is considered as one of the most essential inputs for increasing crop production.

Presently about 90-95 percent of the total irrigated area is covered by minor irrigation. Countrys food

production largely depends upon minor irrigation and shallow tube well (STW) now being used in the

country. Owing to shrinkage of water resources a significant portion of area is not getting water during

lean period. Moreover, river linking project of the upper riparian country is likely to aggravate the

situation. A well-planned irrigation management system is, therefore, essential for gradual increase of

cropping intensity as well as yield. As such, national agriculture policy places special emphasis on the

judicious use of water resources. Although minor irrigation is largely the domain of the private sector,

the public sector holds the responsibility of efficient water management system by which expansion of

low cost sustainable irrigation facilities can be provided. The guidelines are as follows:

Water Productivity and Efficiency

I. The Government will facilitate dissemination of water management technology to enhanceirrigation efficiency and water productivity through optimal use of available water resources.

II. Modern irrigation, drainage and water application systems will be introduced for expandingirrigation coverage including difficult or disadvantaged areas i.e. in char, hilly, Barind tract,

drought-prone and saline areas.

III. The distance between two tube-wells will be chosen in such a way so that it meets needs ofboth safe extraction of groundwater and increase of irrigation efficiency.


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Training for Irrigation Technology

I. The Government will encourage and train private entrepreneurs and unemployed youths onoperation, repair and maintenance of irrigation equipment.

II. Training of farmers and technical personnel on On-farm Water Management (OFWM)technology will be strengthened to bridge knowledge gap as well as yield gap.

Planning and Monitoring

I. The existing surveying and monitoring activities of both quantity and quality of irrigation waterwill be strengthened to formulate pragmatic irrigation and water management plan.

II. BADC, BMDA and allied agencies will prepare and update ground water zoning map for judicioususe of ground water resources.

Conservation and Utilization

I. The Government will promote re-excavation of canals, ponds and other water bodies forconservation and utilization of surface water through inter-agency collaboration.

II. Replacement of suction mode pump by force mode pump critical areas will be encouraged bythe Government for maximizing water use.

III. Multipurpose use of irrigation water will be encouraged.IV. The Government will promote and encourage groundwater recharge through water-shed

management.

V. The Government will take initiatives to reclaim water logged areas.Power for Irrigation

I. Preferential access will be given to power-source for irrigation through intimate interagencycollaboration.

II. Efforts will be made to strike a balance between irrigation cost by electricity and diesel.Mechanization in Agriculture: Mechanization is an important tool for profitable and competitiveagriculture. The need for mechanization is increasing fast with the decrease of draft power. Without

mechanization it will not be possible to maintain multiple cropping patterns, which need quick land

preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting processing etc. Significant increase in use of agri-machinery

primarily in tilling, seeding, weeding and threshing has been achieved. This trend needs to be extended

further so that efficiency of production can be achieved with increased production and reduced cost.

Mechanization should include post harvest activities including processing and preservation.

Research and Development

I. Research and development on mechanization of agriculture and appropriate agriculturalmachinery and equipment will be pioneered by the Government.

Manufacturing of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment

I. The Government will encourage production and manufacturing of agricultural machineryadaptive to our socio-economic context. Manufacturing workshops and industries engaged in

agricultural mechanization activities will be provided with appropriate support.

Support and Incentives

I. The existing facility of waving testing and standardization of agricultural machineries will becontinued with exemption of import duties to keep the price within the reach of the farmers.


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II. Efforts will be made to rationalize import duties on raw materials of agricultural machinery toencourage local manufacturers and to keep the price of local machineries competitive with the

imported ones.

III. To speed up the process of agricultural mechanization both producers and users of agro-machineries will be provided with necessary support including credit.

IV. The Government will promote mechanization by giving cash incentives for selective machineryat producer, manufacturer and farmers levels.

Training: Training will be imparted to stakeholders in agricultural mechanization like operators, farmers,

rural youths, manufacturers on repair and maintenance of agro-machinery at rural level.

Agricultural Marketing: The agricultural marketing system provides the bridging link between farm

produces and the consumers of food and agricultural products. As agricultural products need to be

marketed, there is a need for building a strong market infrastructure to bring efficiency in marketing

services. Development of efficient agricultural marketing system will, therefore, help farmers enhance

their bargaining power and enable them to fetch better prices for their produces.

Market Infrastructure DevelopmentI. The Government will facilitate smooth flow of agricultural produces from the production point

to the consumption point by setting up village market and improving distribution to main

markets.

II. Efforts will be made to develop effective value chain between producers and consumers.III. Both the private and the public sectors will be encouraged in the initiatives in market

improvement of agricultural products.

IV. The agro-marketing institutions will be strengthened and reformed.V. The Government will encourage private sector investment in establishing ware houses and cold

storage facilities for agricultural produces.

Market Intelligence and Extension ServicesI. The Government will encourage collection and dissemination of market information of

agricultural produces and inputs to farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, and consumers.

II. The Government will promote the services required by farmers and entrepreneurs for valueaddition to agricultural produces.

III. Both the public and the private initiatives on agro-market research for fair price and qualityproduct will be encouraged.

IV. The Government will promote food safety issues during production and post-productionactivities.

Export and Market Promotion

I. Export of agro-products to both the ethnic and the upstream markets will be encouraged by thegovernment.

II. The Government will take steps to diversify products and to explore new and potential marketsabroad.

Market Regulation and Facilitation

I. In order to increase efficiency of market operation, market regulation will be strengthened andupdated.


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II. The Government will encourage the public-private partnership and coordination for efficientmarket operation.

III. The Government will create Agriculture Price Commission to provide guidelines to strengthenagricultural marketing, to ensure fair price for farmers and affordable price for consumers.

Agro-business: Agro-business initiatives by farmers, traders and entrepreneurs will be facilitated and

necessary support and incentive will be provided as and when deemed necessary.

Women in Agriculture: Women represent nearly half of the country's human resources. For this, the

government believes that more women comprising officials and farmers should enter the agricultural

workforce. As women have potentials to contribute to agricultural growth, it is obligatory on the part of

the Government to meaningfully involve them in agriculture-related income generating activities and to

develop their human resources.

Empowerment of Women

I. Necessary support will be provided for capacity building of women in promoting household foodand nutrition security.

II. The Government will facilitate increased women participation in management decision makingand their advancement in agriculture.

III. Efforts will be made to ensure womens equal access to agricultural inputs (e.g. seed, fertilizer,credit, education & training, information etc.).

Participation in Production and Marketing

I. The Government will encourage participation of the rural poor women in production of cropsparticularly in agro-processing and agri-business activities so that they can improve their

economic well-being.

II. Womens participation in agricultural production system will be facilitated through access toagricultural technologies.

III.

The Government will take steps to encourage womens participation in various extensionprogrammes like training, farmers' rally and workshop.

Income Generation

I. The Government will provide credit support to women for agricultural activities such ashomestead gardening, post harvest activities, seed production & preservation, nursery, bee-

keeping, food processing etc.

II. The government will provide micro-credit support to women for small-scale agro-processing,storage and preservation.

III. Efforts will be made to ensure non-discrimination in wages.Budgetary Allocation: A block allocation in the agricultural budget will be made exclusively for

undertaking women related activities and programmes.

Human Resource Development: As a predominantly agricultural country, Bangladesh needs to have a

vast reservoir of educated, trained and skilled agro-workforce to bridge the gap between the production

capacity of farmers and the consumption requirement of citizens and to ensure their food security.

Effective human resource development (HRD) should be based on appropriate human resource,

planning and career development. This can be achieved through developing appropriate training and

education packages including in-service training and through performance based reward system. Major


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and food security. NAP also identifies 18 programme areas where actions or policies might be

undertaken for achieving these goals: crop production, seeds, fertilizer, minor irrigation, pest

management, agricultural mechanization, agricultural research, agricultural marketing, land use,

agricultural education and training, agricultural credit, government support for production and

contingency plan, food-based nutrition, environmental protection, women in agriculture, coordination

among government agencies, NGOs and the private sector and reliable database.

The list of programme areas shows that NAP underlines all input and support sectors involved with crop

production and identifies issues that need to be addressed to improve their efficiency. NAP emphasizes

that the goal of food self-sufficiency and dependable food security can be achieved only through

efficient delivery of inputs and support services. For example, increased production of all crops needs

timely supply of quality seeds in adequate quantity. Currently, BADC, NGOs and the private sector

involved with seed production/ procurement and distribution can supply only 5-6% of total national

requirement. The APB suggests that crop production can be increased by 15-20% only by ensuring

timely supply of adequate quality seeds. Thus, for fulfilling this objective, all constraints hindering

development of seed sector must be removed and new measures to be undertaken for its expansion. It

is thus important to note that ultimate objective of all policies is to improve the efficiency of relevant

institutions/agencies.

New Agricultural Extension Policy: The MoA prepared the new agricultural extension policy (NAEP) in

1996 in accordance with the agricultural policies and priorities set out in the fifteen-year perspective

plan, 1995-2010. These policies and priorities include (i) attainment of self-sufficiency in food grain and

increase production of other nutritional crops, (ii) ensuing sustainable agricultural growth through more

efficient and balanced uses of land, water and other resources, (iii) increasing foreign exchange earnings

through agricultural exports, (iv) introducing high value cash crops, (v) improving the quality and

availability of seeds, (vi) reducing environmental degradation, (vii) increasing fish, livestock and forestry

production and (viii) conserving and developing forest resources. The main goal of NAEP is to encourage

the various partners and agencies within the national agricultural extension system to provide efficient

and effective services which complement and reinforce each other in an effort to increase the efficiency

and productivity of agriculture in Bangladesh. The NAEP lists 11 policy measures, called components.These components include extension support to all categories of farmers, efficient extension services,

decentralization, demand-led extension, working with groups of all kinds, strengthened extension-

research linkage, training of extension personnel, appropriate extension methodology, integrated

extension activities, coordinated extension activities, and integrated environmental support.

DAE- Agricultural Extension Manual: DAE produces the new edition of the Agricultural Extension

Manual to provide all staff with a complete set of the updated principles, procedures and systems in the

implementation of revised extension approach. Some of the key improvements and additions include:

annual planning, replacing seasonal planning; strengthened approaches to farmer information need

assessment; strengthened approaches to the management of BS work programmes; and seasonal

extension monitoring, replacing the district extension monitoring system. The voluminous manual

records the field performance and puts forward a sketch map of numerous functions and modes of work

of the extension workers posted at different levels of the DAE.

National Seed Policy, 1993 and Seed Rules, 1998:The basic objectives and strategies of the National

Seed Policy (NSP) are of three types strengthening BADC capacity, allowing the private to produce seeds

of approved varieties as well as develop new ones, and also to import seeds from aboard. For this

purpose, importation procedures were simplified. The NSP and Seed Rules make a number of provisions


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that could guarantee quality of seeds either produced domestically or imported. First, any variety,

whether imported or domestically developed, must be registered with the NSB. Second, all private

dealers involved with seed import, registering new seed variety and packaging seeds in labeled

containers, must be registered. Finally, all varieties of seed must be certified by the Seed Certification

Agency (SCA).

National Seed Board: The NSP creates a hierarchical system of policymaking and executing authorities

with the NSB at the apex level. The main functions of the Board include updating policies and strategies

for the development of the seed industry with special attention given to promoting private sector seed

enterprises; encouraging private sector participation in seed development, overseeing and coordinating

the production of breeder and foundation seed by public and private seed enterprises. These functions

and powers of the NSB were further consolidated and strengthened in the Seed Rules promulgated in

1998. The Rules says that, in addition to the functions entrusted in the 1993 Ordinance, the Board will

have the following powers to advise the government on all matters regarding the promotion and

development of the seed industry, relating to Government Seed Laboratory, withdrawal or de-notifying

the outdated varieties of seeds and the procedures or standards for certification.

BADCs Seed Wing: The NSP document states the major functions of the Seed Wing of the BADC asproduction of Foundation Seeds of all publicly developed varieties of controlled crops; production of all

kinds of seeds on a level playing field in competition with the private sector; gradual withdrawal of

BADC from the production of all kinds of seeds produced by the private sector; and provision of

technical assistance and support services by the Seed Wing for the development of a private seed

industry.

Seed Certification Agency (SCA): The NSP document stipulates the major roles or functions of the SCA

outlining the detailed steps of certifying seeds.

National Agricultural Research System (NARS): The NSP also provides the detailed guidance to NARS

with respect to redesigning plant-breeding programmes.

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE): The NSP outlines and map out the specific roles of the DAE

for popularizing and monitoring quality seeds to the farmers.

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU): The NSP stipulates specific assignments for the BAU in

regards to offering updated courses on seed technology and development of a National Seed Health

Laboratory.

Plan of Action on NAP: The MoA prepared the Plan of Action on NAP (PoA) in 2003 with the overriding

objective to review the status of implementation of NAP and identify gaps in implementation. The PoA is

founded on six strategic themes as follows:

Strengthening partnership approach: PoA identifies six groups of stakeholders in the partnership

approach devised for implementing NAP: government, farmers, commercial private sector, NGOs, farm

organizations, other civil society organizations and private sector, and cooperatives and local

government. It then lists the roles each stakeholder group is supposed to play in the implementation of

plan actions.


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Government: PoA identifies the following nine roles of Bangladesh government as the dominant

stakeholder: (a) creating a favourable macroeconomic policy environment, (b) providing public goods,

(c) introducing risk-reducing legal, financial and institutional arrangements, (d) monitoring competitive

conditions and preventing the emergence of monopolies and cartels, (e) ensuring food security for all,

(f) help develop strong private and NGO sectors and support their initiatives through appropriate

policies and policy instruments, (g) enhancing and sustaining participation of all stakeholders in

consensus building in policy formulation and implementation, (h) providing price support for a limited

range of strategically important commodities and (i) ensure environmental protection.

Farmers: The supposed role of farmers in this partnership are (a) achieving and sustaining household

level food security, (b) deciding what to grow and how much to grow, (c) deciding the type of

technologies to adopt and adapt, (d) forming cooperatives and other farmer organizations, (e) creating

demand for new inputs and technologies, and (f) placing demands on the government system of public

goods provision and representation.

Private sector: PoA anticipates the evolution of a strong commercial private sector that is expected to

play the following roles in the stakeholders partnership approach: (a) conducting market research, (b)

maintaining a stable supply of inputs, equipment and services to farmers, (c) marketing agriculturalproduces in both domestic and international markets, (d) transferring technology and (e) maintaining

quality standard.

NGO community: NGOs are playing such an important role in Bangladesh economy that they are

described as its third sector. Naturally, PoA anticipates them to play critical roles in the partnership

approach: (a) helping to provide voice for the un-empowered, (b) promoting rights and interests of the

disadvantaged, viz., women, small and marginal farmers and agricultural labourers, (c) providing credit

and skills training for small and marginal farmers and landless labourers, assisting farmers establish

cooperatives and other farmer organizations, (d) facilitating contacts and contracts between farm

organizations and agribusiness and (e) assisting government in food security programmes. PoA also puts

emphasis on creating a culture of participation by various stakeholders, because it is indeed indeplorable condition. Especially, PoA recognizes that the NAP created opportunities for broad

participation of various stakeholders- government agencies, NGO and private sector- being represented

in different decision making committees, but the extent to which such participation promotes a

consultative culture of participation remains to be assessed.

Improving enabling environment

Efficient implementation of agriculture policies requires appropriate enabling environment, which

involves two important actions: (a) establishing a positive incentive, legislative and regulatory

framework within which private sector actors make decisions, and (b) influencing economic

environment through judicious use of government budget, particularly providing and distributing public

goods, such as research output, extension etc., and more widely (e.g., developing transport, marketing,

and telecommunication infrastructure). In this regard, PoA has identified six key areas of intervention:

facilitating market entry for the private commercial firms to reduce the costs of purchased inputs,

leveling the playing field to ensure competitive fairness in both input and produce markets, promoting

new areas and mechanisms for R&D for accelerating agricultural growth, getting the unused land back

to production to minimize the effect of losing agricultural lands to different non-agricultural uses,

improving the supply of agricultural credit to farmers, monitoring and enforcing laws and regulations

devised for agricultural development.


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Commercialized agriculture

This strategic theme highlights four issues: (i) promoting production for domestic market, (ii) promoting

agricultural exports, (iii) reducing price seasonality of perishable products and (iv) reducing price

seasonality of semi-perishable products. The trend of commercialization has already started and needs

to be fostered and accelerated by forward-looking policies, which exploit comparative advantage while

safeguarding them against uncertainties of market-led production.

Agricultural productivity

To achieve NAPs main objective of national food security, land and labour productivity must be

maintained and increased. To this end, this strategic theme has ten issues: safeguarding environment,

crop production, seeds and planting materials, fertilizer, minor irrigation, pest management, agricultural

mechanization, agricultural credit, agricultural extension and agricultural research. The list of strategic

issues clearly shows that improvement in land and labour productivity entails improvement in supply

and use of necessary inputs, development of improved seeds through agricultural research and inform

and train farmers about the new methods of crop production through effective extension service.

Cross-sectoral inter-linkages

The fifth strategic issue is to improve cross-sectoral interlinkages. This strategic theme underlinescoordination at three levels: coordinating with macro policy, coordinating with policies of other sector

and coordinating policies within the crop sector. To achieve this objective, i.e., creating consistency and

coherence within and between policies at national, sectoral and sub-sectoral levels, PoA suggests

developing adequate policy analysis capability. Accordingly, independent bodies or individuals outside

the government should carry out policy research and policy analysis. Two reasons justify this idea. First,

it will ensure objectivity in policy analysis. Second, it is difficult to retain top quality policy analysts,

because these professionals have high-marketable skills. This in turn suggests that commissioning

independent analysis would require separate allocations in the annual budgets.

Developing institutional capability

To properly implement the enacted reforms, the institutional capability of the concerned publicagencies needs to be improved. In this regard, PoA suggests three strategic themes: revitalizing

organizations like MoA itself, all institutes of the NARS, BADC, DAM, DAE and SCA; monitoring and

evaluation of performance and moving towards a programmatic approach.

Physical programme matrix (PPM): The PoA puts forward a set of actions in policy matrix format to

achieve NAP objectives. The matrix lists, as well as expands, the 18 programme areas identified by NAP,

defines the targets/goals of each programme area up to year 2012, states the major constraints, lists the

actions to be undertaken to remove those constraints and names the organizations responsible for the

implementation of those actions. The main actions recommended include: adopting measures for land

reclamation in line with the NWMP, developing technology for rain-fed farming, closing yield gap in slow

growing districts, increasing investment in supplementary irrigation, expanding HYVs and promoting

rice-fish culture through DAE.

Actionable Policy Brief and Resource Implications (APB): This report is the latest in the series of

agriculture sector reviews prepared by the government. The first one, called NAP, was followed by the

Plan of Actions on implementing NAP in 2003. This plan, however, was not found implementable and

therefore, an Actionable Policy Brief (APB) was prepared in 2004. The APB is also based on the

overarching national goal, food security, which basically means sufficient cereal stock in the country.

The APB is built on a solid conceptual framework, focused vision for the future, indicators

Post Rules, Regulations & Standards

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Transcript of Post Rules, Regulations & Standards