Post Rules, Regulations & Standards

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 point scab 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 Page 1 of 29
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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 for fruit 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 of contamination. 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 the control 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) Rules 1997; 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 Adulteration of foodstuffs is an act of dishonest tradesmen who intend to make maximum profit from minimum investment. Random manufacture of adulterated Bangladesh Pure foodstuffs unsuitable for human consumption led to a resolve to combat this Food Ordinance, 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 of 1959 adulterated food articles resulted in the inclusion of some provisions in the Penal (Ordinance No. Code, 1860 (Act No. XLV of 1860) making adulteration of food or drink and sale of LXVIII of 1959) noxious food or drink punishable under sections 272, 273,274,275 and 276 of the said Code. The Bangladesh Standards And An Ordinance to provide for the establishment of an Institution for Testing standardization, testing, metrology, quality control, grading and marking of Institution goods. Ordinance, 1985 Pre-packed Commodity, means a commodity, which without the purchaser being present, is placed in a package of whatever nature, whether sealed or opened, so that the commodity contain therein has a pre determined value and includes those commodities which could be taken out of the package for testing or Standards of examining or inspecting the commodity. Weights and Every pre packaged commodity before kept for sale shall bear there on following Measures declarations. (Packaged Name and address of the manufacturer or packer or importer. Commodity) Generic name of the commodity. Rules, 1977 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 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 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 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 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 Page 5 of 29
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 packaging Some 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 are dealing 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.(The thickness 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 arey The name and address of the manufacturer or where the manufacturer is not the packer, the name and address of the manufacturer and packer y The common or generic names of the commodity contained in the package; explanationy 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 commodity contained 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-packed y The sale price of the package y 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 rules y 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 Page 6 of 29
y y y
The standards of Weight and Measures (Packaged Commodities) rules, 1982, Product Labeling Regulation, 2006 and 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 cm y Minimum grade: 2.7 cm y 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, and commercial 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 1841993, AMD. 1-2005) applies to commercial varieties of mangoes grown from Mangifera indica L., of the Anacardiaceae 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 resistance characteristics 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 on the 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. Page 8 of 29
Identification - Name and address of exporter, packer and/or dispatcher shall be provided. For Commercial 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 established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity. y Pesticide Residues- Mangoes shall comply with those maximum pesticide residue limits established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity. y Hygiene- It is recommended that the produce covered by the provisions of this Standard be prepared 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. 42003), 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). y Non-Retail Containers - Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the 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. y Identification - Name and address of exporter, packer and/or dispatcher shall be provided. For Commercial 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 established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity. y Pesticide Residues- Mangoes shall comply with those maximum pesticide residue limits established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity. y Hygiene- It is recommended that the produce covered by the provisions of this Standard be prepared 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. 42003), 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 1821993, 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 the produce 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). y
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Containers- The containers shall meet the quality, hygiene, ventilation and resistance characteristics 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 on the 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. y Identification - Name and address of exporter, packer and/or dispatcher shall be provided. For Commercial 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 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 resistance characteristics 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 Codex General 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 as to 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 on the 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. y Page 10 of 29
Hygiene- It is recommended that the product covered by the provisions of this standard be prepared 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. 31997), 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 specifies hygienic 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 produced foods. 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 in this 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 with the 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 People s 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 profitable and 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, agrobased 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, cost effective 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 for sustainable growth of agriculture for reducing poverty and ensuring food security through increased crop production and employment opportunity as envisaged in National Strategy for Accelerated 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; and IV. 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 selfsufficiency 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 more efficient 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 achieve diverse 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 efficient and coordinated services. Extension Approach I. Farmers either individuals, or as groups, will be encouraged to voice their needs and problems to extension staff. They will act as basic source of information and feedback to strengthen service network to their needs.
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II. III.
IV. V.
The Government will make a shift from the top-down, hierarchical approach to bottomup participatory approach in which farmers, researchers and extension workers will serve as peers. The Government will recognize and adopt approaches that emerge locally through growing understanding of the nature of technological change, learning and adaptation to prevailing situations. Collaboration will be initiated among research and extension organizations and universities in the field of adaptive research. The Government will encourage promotion of crops suitable to agro-climatic conditions of a particular 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 Media I. 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 and modern facilities to enable effective information dissemination and technology transfer. III. Dissemination of agricultural information and technology through print and electronic media will 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 will maintain 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 food security 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 under cultivation. 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 the model of PKSF may be formed.
Agri-business Opportunities for Private Sector I. The Government will provide technological support to private entrepreneurs and farmers to undertake agri-business activities. II. Enabling conditions will be created to expand local and overseas markets for agribusiness opportunities. Quality Assurance I. The Government will promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in production and in supply chain management. II. Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures will be ensured during production, processing and marketing. III. Quarantine services will be strengthened to meet the needs of both domestic and export market. Programme for Agro-ecologically Disadvantaged Regions: The Government will pursue programme for hilly 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 combine immediate 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 the occurrence of natural calamities to overcome crop damage. III. Measures will be taken to protect crops in the coastal, haor, beel and char areas keeping harmony 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 and sustainable future. II. Integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated crop management (ICM) will be promoted for conservation of biodiversity and sustainable land & water management. III. Measures will be taken to restrict the conversion of agricultural land for non agricultural purposes. 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 to prevent child labor in agriculture.
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IV.
Care must be taken so that children s opportunities for food, education and life skills are not blocked.
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 breeding programmes 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 be provided access to institutional credit at preferential rates of interest. III. Balanced development of the seed sector will be promoted by providing opportunities to the public 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 registering new 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 and farmers. II. The government will maintain seed security stock to cope with the emergent or contingent situations. 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 private sector to grow quality seeds. II. The public sector and the private sector will initiate programmes to create awareness among farmers 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 increasing availability of quality seeds. II. Quality assurance of seed will be enforced at all stages of seed system from production to marketing 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 will continue. II. Steps will be taken to maintain a fertilizer 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 farmers level. II. Awareness will be built to follow suitable cropping patterns to maintain natural balance of soil nutrients. 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. Country s 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 enhance irrigation efficiency and water productivity through optimal use of available water resources. II. Modern irrigation, drainage and water application systems will be introduced for expanding irrigation 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 of both safe extraction of groundwater and increase of irrigation efficiency. Page 18 of 29
Training for Irrigation Technology I. The Government will encourage and train private entrepreneurs and unemployed youths on operation, 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 water will 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 judicious use of ground water resources. Conservation and Utilization I. The Government will promote re-excavation of canals, ponds and other water bodies for conservation and utilization of surface water through inter-agency collaboration. II. Replacement of suction mode pump by force mode pump critical areas will be encouraged by the 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 interagency collaboration. 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 competitive agriculture. 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 agricultural machinery and equipment will be pioneered by the Government. Manufacturing of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment I. The Government will encourage production and manufacturing of agricultural machinery adaptive 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 be continued with exemption of import duties to keep the price within the reach of the farmers.
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II.
III. IV.
Efforts will be made to rationalize import duties on raw materials of agricultural machinery to encourage local manufacturers and to keep the price of local machineries competitive with the imported ones. To speed up the process of agricultural mechanization both producers and users of agromachineries will be provided with necessary support including credit. The Government will promote mechanization by giving cash incentives for selective machinery at 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 Development I. 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 Services I. 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 value addition to agricultural produces. III. Both the public and the private initiatives on agro-market research for fair price and quality product will be encouraged. IV. The Government will promote food safety issues during production and post-production activities. Export and Market Promotion I. Export of agro-products to both the ethnic and the upstream markets will be encouraged by the government. II. The Government will take steps to diversify products and to explore new and potential markets abroad. Market Regulation and Facilitation I. In order to increase efficiency of market operation, market regulation will be strengthened and updated.
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II. III.
The Government will encourage the public-private partnership and coordination for efficient market operation. The Government will create Agriculture Price Commission to provide guidelines to strengthen agricultural 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 food and nutrition security. II. The Government will facilitate increased women participation in management decision making and their advancement in agriculture. III. Efforts will be made to ensure women s 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 crops particularly in agro-processing and agri-business activities so that they can improve their economic well-being. II. Women s participation in agricultural production system will be facilitated through access to agricultural technologies. III. The Government will take steps to encourage women s participation in various extension programmes like training, farmers' rally and workshop. Income Generation I. The Government will provide credit support to women for agricultural activities such as homestead gardening, post harvest activities, seed production & preservation, nursery, beekeeping, 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 Page 21 of 29
challenge is to develop an efficient workforce capable enough to cope with the emerging issues of technology and to acquire skills of development entrepreneurship. The government plans to introduce innovative approaches to upgrade the skill of farmers and technological empowerment of women engaged in agriculture. The government therefore places high priority on training as a tool for developing human resources in the field of agriculture. Training Coverage I. Personnel associated with research and development in agriculture will be brought under the umbrella of training. II. National Agricultural Training Academy (NATA) will offer training including foundation and departmental to officials engaged in agriculture. Facilities and Programme Development I. Agricultural human resource development programmes will be launched for improving standards of short term, medium term and long term training. II. The government will create and strengthen facilities for training of various functionaries of research and extension system to address demand-led areas in agriculture. III. Training facilities will be strengthened at a level that will be nationally and globally competitive. Incentives I. Awards will be instituted to recognize and promote excellence in teaching & training, research, extension and crop production and agricultural development activities. II. Provision for visiting scientists, sabbaticals, national fellows will be introduced to promote excellence in agricultural science, extension and research management. III. Performance of trainee officials in the departmental training will be counted as one of the major criteria for nomination of higher study and overseas training. Partnership I. The Government will encourage forging strategic partnership with agriculture-centred HRD institutions of both developed and developing countries to enrich knowledge base and to harness technology in the field of agriculture. II. Harnessing complementarities and synergies through strong linkages among institutions at national level and international level will be constantly pursued. Budgetary Provision: A block allocation will be made exclusively for carrying out HRD and training related activities.
(Source:http://www.moa.gov.bd/policy/Draft%20Agri_Policy_English.pdf)
National Agriculture Policy (NAP) Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), which is responsible for the crop sub sector, prepared this policy statement in 1999. This is the first comprehensive document prepared by Ministry since the country s independence in 1971. NAP has an overall objective, 18 subsidiary objectives and 18 programme areas. The overall objective is: to make the nation self-sufficient in food through increasing production of all crops, including cereals, and ensure a dependable food security system for all. The 18 specific objectives are also articulated in general terms and thus give general guidelines or directions about how the crop sector is to evolve to achieve the overall objective of food self-sufficiency Page 22 of 29
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 extensionresearch 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 Page 23 of 29
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. BADC s Seed Wing: The NSP document states the major functions of the Seed Wing of the BADC as production 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 agricultural produces 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 in deplorable 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 NAP s 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 underlines coordination 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 public agencies 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 of Page 26 of 29
comparative advantages, competitive strength and profitability that will guide the development of each crop subsector, constraints to moving forward and key challenges that must be faced in achieving the overall objective of promoting food security for all in the country. The critical policy areas addressed in the APB include production and distribution of seed, production, import and pricing and marketing of fertilizers, land use, minor irrigation, mechanization, marketing and agribusiness, agricultural research and agricultural extension. Seed: The APB team has identified the major constraints facing the seed sector and made several recommendations to overcome those constraints. The most important ones relate to facilitating quality seed development in private sector, training farmers on quality seed production and preservation, strengthening seed certification, bolstering National Seed Board, rationalizing seed subsidy and ensuring level playing field for private sector seed developer. Fertilizers: Conventionally, the APB also emphasized three concepts- timely supply, adequate quantities and fair prices- as the key issues in the fertilizer policy. However, timely and adequate supply does not guarantee farmers to use proper doses unless they can buy fertilizers at fair prices at the time they need it. While privatization of fertilizer distribution since mid 1970 s has generally improved availability of fertilizer, it has not necessarily succeeded in eliminating supply bottlenecks and ensuring fair prices of fertilizers at farm level such as in the current Boro season of 2006. Fertilizer subsidy has also not guaranteed farmers the proportionate benefits, major share of subsidy benefits being grabbed by the fertilizer traders. The prominent constraints include depletion of soil nutrient, lack of awareness program, risk of crop failure, unbalanced use of fertilizer, deficiency in micro nutrient and organic matter. Land: The land use policy guideline was first introduced in the NAP prepared by the MoA in 1999. Then the Ministry of Land prepared a grand policy statement in 2001. The same issued has been addressed in the APB. APB recognizes the problems of implementing land policy, which arise from the fact that land administration falls into the domains of many ministries. The national land use policy recommends the following important measures: (i) halting the present alarming rate of conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural purposes, (ii) preparing guidelines for maximum land utilization based on agroecological zone characteristics, (iii) discouraging acquisition of agricultural land for urbanization or for other development projects, and (iv) reducing environmental pollution and degradation of land, water and air and promoting environmentally friendly activities in agricultural development. Minor irrigation: The APB team has identified factors constraining the development of minor irrigation and put forward several recommendations for removing those constraints. One of these recommendations includes reducing farmers irrigation costs. There are two major ways to do this. First, subsidies may be provided on fuel as well as on the import of irrigation equipment. Second, supplying electricity to power-driven machines. However, this policy analysis seems to have missed an important point. Not all irrigators have their own equipment and they buy water from pump owners under various payment system- cash, kind or hourly basis. This means that reduction of pumping costs through diesel or electricity subsidy, if it can be implemented, will benefit the pump owners and not necessarily the farmers buying water because there is no way to make the water sellers to reduce water charges. Mechanization: The APB identifies several constraints to desirable level of mechanization, which are (i) lack of knowledge and skill for efficient use, proper maintenance and repair of machinery at all levels of users, artisans and traders, (ii) absence of any public sector agricultural extension activity involving farm machinery or mechanization, (iii) poor quality of fuel and lubricating oil available in the village areas, (iv) Page 27 of 29
scarcity of proper spare parts, replaceable tools and accessories and adequate after sales services, (v) poor quality of many imported as well as locally fabricated machines, (vi) low tariff on imported machines and high tariff on materials of fabrication (especially carbon steel), (vii) absence of product standards and quality certification (for both imported and locally made items) for helping traders and users to make informed choices, (viii) absence of adequate design and fabrication guidelines, technical facilities and credit sources for local manufacturers, and (ix) lack of communal threshing floors often impedes the use of threshing machines near the harvest areas especially in the haor regions of Bangladesh. The team makes several useful recommendations that are supposed to address these constraints. One important point missing from the report is that it does not recognize the importance of the growing market for power tiller services and thus it fails to pinpoint the implications of rationalizing import duty on power tiller accessories and development of infrastructure favouring power tiller growth. Marketing and agribusiness: The APB has discussed agribusiness constraints under eight groups: policy, institutional, infrastructural, human resources, information, quality control, other constraints and underdevelopment of agricultural sector. The APB team also makes valuable recommendations aimed at removing those constraints. These include establishment of an expert committee to review agribusiness status periodically, establishing agro-export processing zones, setting up a separate `center for agricultural market research, intelligence and certification by restructuring and renaming DAM, amendment of the agricultural markets produce regulation act of 1964, increased investment in market infrastructure, and arranging technical assistance and credit for improving preservation, packaging and transportation of agro-products, formulation of a comprehensive `agribusiness policy involving the private sector, establishment of an agribusiness development fund , and establishment of a market feeder road development and maintenance fund . Agricultural research: The APB team analyzes agricultural research problems as the constraints faced by the NARS institutes and the NARS constraints are flagged as lack of quality human resource and funding, inflexible institutional and management system, and absence of decentralization of authority limiting freedom of research management. What the APB misses is a reflection on the new agenda for agricultural research in the changing national priorities towards pro-market technology generation and for protecting the interests of small farmers in the face of global competition. Also, the deplorable state of agricultural statistics and institutional obstacles to information flow, which hinder quality agricultural research, are not addressed at any great length. Agricultural extension: In the backdrop of a long list of weaknesses of DAE, the APB team points out four major constraints/issues to be addressed for desirable development of agricultural extension system. These constraints/issues include blueprint agriculture and ecological problems, participatory technology development and extension, addressing equity and ecological problems, and group approach in extension. APB recommends formation of 'Specialized Agricultural Service Centers' (SASC) at the Upazila level and one stop extension service at the Union level', development of a comprehensive training program for the farmers, input dealers, seed producers and field technicians at the Upazila level, adoption of community (village) or group based extension and training system to develop group farming, establishment of a permanent 'Advisory Committee on Agricultural Research and Extension', building soil-testing capacity at Upazila level and strengthening SRDI capacity. National Jute Policy National Jute Policy (NJP) was prepared in 2002. The NJP is concerned with three specific issuesproduction of raw jute, development of a commercially viable jute industry sector in the country and Page 28 of 29
promote the export market for both jute and jute products. Accordingly, the report has focused on the following main topics: problems of jute sector, commodity-oriented jute production, improvement of the jute rottening system, improvement of the quality of jute goods, accelerate advertising activities to promote the use of jute goods both domestically and internationally etc. The problems of the jute sector are identified as: low productivity and profitability of jute production, lack of improved jute rottening system; lack of HYV jute seed; lack of extension service about improved method of jute cultivation; and unstable market and price situation. The major problems of jute industry include declining demand and prices of jute products in the international market; introduction of silo and container method for packaging purposes, labour and management problems in government jute factories, old machines, labour unrest and political instability and so on. A number of strategies have been suggested for improvement.
(Source: http://www.unbd.org/pub/unpubs/Agriculture%20Sector%20Review%20Actionable%20policy%20briefs/Volume%20III%20Polic y%20Review.pdf)
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