Controlling pesticide and other residues in herbs and spices 51
the performance of their employees, particularly those in close contact with the
farmers.
For spices, contract farming can be through small farmer groups. For example, a
company that exports vanilla from Uganda works through groups of farmers organised
into local associations. These associations play a leading role in selecting suitable
farmers, recovering loans and bulking up the vanilla for purchase. Such farmer
groups or associations control production, with the sponsor having direct contact
with farmers only when conducting training programmes. In spices like chilli where
processing (drying to control aflatoxin) is required immediately following harvest,
there can be quality problems. In such cases well laid out quality checks and standards
are to be agreed upon by the company and the farmer.
Successful chilli and marigold backward integration projects have been in operation
continuously for the past ten years in the southern districts of India, run by the AV
Thomas group’s Integrated Spice Project. These projects are good examples of backward
linkages, where the corporate sector works very closely with growers to meet global
quality standards of produce. It is generally seen that the farmers accept new techniques
only if the adaptations result in higher yields and/or improved quality and if the cost
of such techniques is more than offset by higher returns. The introduction of technologies
can cause cultural adaptation problems for smallholder farmers, even though these
technologies are often the most important benefit of the contract. (Refer to Figs 2.1–
8 as well as the flowchart (Fig. 2.9) of residue control for details of chemical controls
at farms).
Field extension, monitoring of chemical applications/package of practices and
recording of field data are very important to maintain traceability of the produce.
Extension staff have the responsibility to schedule the sowing of seed beds, the
transplanting of seedlings, and the cultivation and harvesting of the contracted crop
within a defined climatic season and in harmony with the farmers’ own cropping
regimes. At the beginning of each season, management, extension staff and farmers
should discuss and confirm all planned activity schedules. Managers should present
Fig. 2.1 Improving post-harvest processing/drying by use of clean sand beds for quick and
complete drying to arrest mould growth and to avoid use of fungicides.