IANS | 20 Nov, 2023
In a recent research report by Environment Management and Policy
Research Institute (EMPRI), it was revealed that the use of wastewater
for cultivating vegetables has led to a heightened concentration of
heavy metals in the produce.
The study involved the examination of
400 samples from 10 different vegetables across Bengaluru, uncovering
contamination levels that exceed the permissible limits set by the Food
and Agriculture Organisation.
In an exclusive interview with IANS,
Avinash B.R., Co-Founder of Deep Rooted delves deep into the issue,
sharing his insights on the challenges associated with food
contamination and the probable solutions for the same.
Q: What is the origin of the current food contamination problem in Bengaluru?
A:
The current challenges of food contamination in Bangalore, and across
various metropolitan areas, arise from multiple sources within the food
supply chain. Input contamination is a significant concern, particularly
regarding the use of contaminated soil and water in cultivation. The
presence of pollutants in irrigation water or soil, often originating
from industrial effluents or sewage water, can lead to the manifestation
of harmful substances in fruits and vegetables.
Pesticides play a
crucial role in agricultural practices when it comes to countering
pests and not-so-optimal environmental conditions, but issues arise when
their usage exceeds permissible limits or when farmers employ
unscientific methods. The drive to meet market demands and maximize
yields can push farmers to take shortcuts, compromising the safety of
the produce and contributing to contamination.
Contamination is
notable in greens, which are highly perishable and usually cultivated
close to urban centers. The water used for their cultivation is often
compromised, with sewage water and industrial effluents posing a
significant risk.
In the case of fruits, post-harvest handling
processes are critical. Fruits, often grown in specific agro-climatic
zones far from demand centers, may undergo unscientific treatments
during handling to make them last for the long distance transportation
or make them ready for consumption.
The concern of usage of
carbide for ripening or the use of unsafe wax for apples are issues that
bubbles to the top of consumer mind every season. Addressing these
contamination challenges requires a holistic approach encompassing
improved agricultural practices, stringent monitoring of pesticide use,
and enhanced post-harvest handling protocols.
Q: What measures can be implemented to address this contamination issue?
A:
Mitigating contamination within the agricultural supply chain demands a
nuanced strategy that takes into account the diverse motivations and
challenges encountered by various stakeholders. Farmers often resort to
short-term measures such as excessive chemical use or neglecting input
quality due to uncertainties in the profit and loss of a crop cycle. To
address this, there is a need for comprehensive support systems that
provide farmers with certainty regarding yields, input costs, and market
access. Financial incentives, education on sustainable farming
practices, and improved market linkages can encourage farmers to
prioritize crop quality over short-term gains.
Many players in the
supply chain focus on minimizing wastage and handling damages, often
neglecting issues like contamination. To change this, there should be a
shift towards more value-adding intermediaries. This can be achieved
through incentives, regulations, and market pressures that encourage
intermediaries to adopt practices that prioritize product quality and
safety. To increase consumer awareness and engagement, there is a need
for educational campaigns emphasizing the importance of clean and safe
food consumption. Retailers and online platforms can play a role in
building consumer trust by transparently sharing information about the
source and quality of their products.
Q: What steps can consumers take to deal with this?
A:
Consumer awareness is crucial, and it is pertinent for them to
understand that regulatory frameworks exist to govern various aspects
related to food contamination. The National Program for Organic Products
(NPOP) serves as a certification for organic produce, ensuring that
stringent standards for organic farming are met.
Additionally, the
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issues
certificates to companies, attesting that they handle produce in a clean
and hygienic environment. These certifications are not only a testament
to the quality and authenticity of the products but also serve as a
regulatory safeguard to protect consumers from potential contamination
risks.
The enforcement of these measures by regulators and the
awareness among consumers are currently not at a mature level,
necessitating a significant shift. With numerous options available,
consumers have the power to drive change by posing simple yet critical
questions to the places from which they purchase their produce.
Questions like: "Do you have information about where the produce was
grown?" or "Can you specify the harvest date of this produce?" are
crucial.
Additionally, consumers can inquire about
contamination-free practices and demand transparency by asking for
certifications if the produce is claimed to be organic.
Q: What role can companies like Deep Rooted play in finding solutions?
A:
The fruits and vegetables (F&V) supply chain presents a unique set
of challenges that distinguishes it from more standardized, factory-made
products. Unlike items produced in controlled environments, F&V
sourcing faces the inherent complexity of varying harvest schedules. At
Deep Rooted, we believe in fostering transparency in our supply chain
and actively engage with our users to share the nuances of sourcing
practices.
Through immersive farm visits, we offer our customers a
firsthand experience of cultivation practices, providing a
behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous processes that go into bringing
our products to their tables. In our commitment to quality, we pursue
certifications for multiple stock-keeping units (SKUs) in a batch,
streamlining the process to make it more efficient and cost-effective.
Furthermore,
we are dedicated to raising awareness about different growing
environments, such as greenhouse and hydroponics. Through educational
initiatives, we empower our customers with knowledge about sustainable
and innovative farming practices, contributing to a more informed
consumer base. We understand that implementing these measures come with
associated costs.
However, we want to emphasize to our customers
that our dedication to quality and transparency does not mean a
significant increase in prices. We are committed to open communication
with our users, keeping them informed about our supply chain intricacies
and the reasonable premium tied to our commitment to responsible
sourcing.
This approach establishes a mutually beneficial
scenario, benefiting farmers, our brand, and our valued consumers who
can make informed choices about the products they choose to endorse.
Q: How does Deep Rooted conduct the procurement process for vegetables and fruits?
A:
At Deep Rooted, we have honed our approach to procuring vegetables and
fruits by building a dedicated and growing network of farms. Within this
network, we have implemented sustainable and clean agricultural
practices. This not only guarantees optimal yield and productivity for
our farmers but also ensures consistent quality and contamination-free
produce for our valued consumers. We take pride in our commitment to
sustainable and high-quality sourcing; creating a supply chain that
prioritizes both the well-being of farmers and the satisfaction of our
customers.
Q: Could you provide details on the e-commerce platforms and FMCG outlets with which Deep Rooted has formed partnerships?
A:
In terms of distribution and market reach, we have strategically
collaborated with prominent e-commerce platforms and FMCG outlets.
Notably, we have formed partnerships with Zepto, Amazon Fresh, and
Insanely Good. Additionally we are set to extend our availability across
select offline stores in the near future. This diverse range of
partnerships underscores our commitment to making its high-quality
produce accessible through various channels, catering to the preferences
and convenience of a broad consumer base.