Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Tuesday, Nov 23, 2004
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Tuesday, Nov 23, 2004 |
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Agri-Biz & Commodities
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Standards & Benchmarks Aflatoxin may hit groundnut exports G. Chandrashekhar
Mumbai , Nov. 22 AFTER a great season in 2003-04, aflatoxin problem seems to have come back to haunt groundnut kernel exports from the country this season. Kernels from Saurashtra region of Gujarat, out of the just-concluded kharif season harvest, are showing high levels of this mould, traders complained. Even consignments meant for export as bird feed to European destinations are reported to be not passing the quality test, with aflatoxin showing more than 20 ppb (parts per billion). In particular, some Java varieties (bunch type, kernels of small size of around 80/90 per ounce) are found to be unfit for the fastidious overseas markets. Following this development, some exporters are in a quandary and shipments or even contracts are, therefore, likely to be renegotiated. About 30,000 tonnes have been committed for export during November and December at prices ranging from $650 to $680 a tonne cost and freight. There is threat that a sizeable part of this commitment would go into default, commented a well-known exporter. Aflatoxin, a mouldy growth that develops on groundnut kernels, is known to be carcinogenic. So, in the international peanut trade, tolerance levels are specified for this quality parameter, with strict condition imposed for peanut meant for human consumption (4 ppb in Europe) and slightly lenient for birdfeed. "Exporters will have to exercise caution in sourcing their goods and undertake thorough cleaning before dispatching for export," advised Mr Kishore Tanna, Chairman of Indian Oilseeds and Produce Exporters Association, told Business Line. Southwest monsoon was somewhat aberrant this time with rains taking a long break the whole of July. Precipitation in August and September revived the groundnut crop to an extent; but the damage wrought by prolonged dry spell was not undone. Groundnut oil export prospects are also not much to talk about this season, quite unlike last year. The enthusiasm displayed by exporters at the beginning of the season is waning because prices are stubbornly firm. Hope of raw groundnut oil ready declining to Rs 47,000 a tonne from the current level of over Rs 50,000 is not high as of now as the vegetable oil market both at home and at the global level is relatively firm. Some correction in prices is expected by mid-December; but there are uncertainties to be reckoned with including the so-called Asian rust scare and weather in South America.
More Stories on : Standards & Benchmarks | Oilseeds & Edible Oil
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