Detection of pesticide residue in the Indian chilli consignments rejected by China has raised concern among exporters in Andhra Pradesh, prompting calls for urgent intervention to ensure residue-free production ahead of the ongoing sowing season.

Exporters in Guntur, on condition of anonymity, say that the rejected consignments have been found to contain traces of ‘Methamidophos’. This has heightened anxiety among exporters and farmers alike.

With the farmers preparing for sowing during the current monsoon season, exporters have urged the government to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and promote scientific pesticide usage to safeguard export markets.

Codex standards

According to the Codex Alimentarius, an internationally recognised food standards programme established jointly by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the maximum residue limit (MRL) for Methamidophos in spices is 0.1 mg/kg.

The Codex defines MRL as the highest level of pesticide residue legally permitted in food when pesticides are applied in accordance with he Good Agricultural Practices.

Speaking to The Hindu, Anan Debbarma, Deputy Director, Spices Board, at the Guntur Regional Office, said the the Board had been conducting post-harvest quality improvement programmes for the farmers with the support of stakeholders and agricultural scientists to enhance export quality.

Mr. Debbarma said different countries maintain varying standards and import parameters depending on the domestic requirements.

Referring to the recent reports on chilli exports to China, Mr. Debbarma said he could not comment on the issue without official communication from higher authorities. However, he advised farmers to use pesticides strictly based on recommendations from the agriculture and horticulture experts to minimise residue levels.

On the other hand, Guntur Agriculture Market Committee (AMC) Chairman Kurra Appa Rao, who convened a meeting with the exporters on June 19, said they had been putting efforts to ensure pesticide residue- free chilli.

“Since farmers from various States in South India bring their produce to the Guntur AMC, which is widely regarded as the largest chilli market yard, it is difficult to trace the origin of the specific consignments that have been rejected by China,” observed traders.

Data available with the Spices Board showed that India had exported 17.34 lakh tonnes of spices and spice products worth ₹39,140 crore (US $4.43 billion) during 2025-26 as against 17.99 lakh tonnes valued at ₹39,994 crore (US $4.72 billion) in 2024-25, registering a decline of 4% in volume, 2% in rupee terms, and 6% in dollar value.

Chilli remained the leading contributor to India’s spice export basket, accounting for 27% of total export earnings, followed by cumin and spice oils, and oleoresins at 12% each. China accounted for 12% of India’s spice exports, making it the country’s second-largest market after the United States.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, while addressing the farmers at Lingamguntla village of Chilakaluripet mandal in Palnadu district on Saturday, said, “Three chilli containers exported from our region have been rejected by China due to pesticide residue concerns. If our produce has to reach international markets, we must adopt safer cultivation practices and move towards natural farming.”