ICAR-NRCG, Pune Organises Training Programmes on ‘Regulatory Sampling for agricultural commodities for pesticide residues and mycotoxins analysis’

31 Aug-1 Sept 2026, Pune

The National Referral Laboratory (NRL), ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune, organised two days sampling training programme on regulatory sampling for agriculturally important export commodities on 31 August and 1 September 2026.

Dr K. V. Prasad Director (Acting) inaugurated the programme and guided the samplers for the importance of the sampling and its requirements. The training sessions were handled by the senior scientist Dr. Ahammed Shabeer TP. (Agricultural Chemicals), NRL.

The training programme held on 31 August 2026 focused on “Pack house sampling in peanut and Peanut Products for Aflatoxin Analysis and Sesame Seeds for Pesticide Residue Analysis as per the Regulatory Requirement of APEDA and IOPPC.”

The programme on 1 September 2026 focused on “Pre- and Post-harvest Sampling of Fruits and Vegetables and organic product for Pesticide Residue Analysis as per the Regulatory Requirement of APEDA.” It was attended by 102 participants from 22 laboratories.

The programmes highlighted that representative sampling is the foundation of reliable pesticide residue and aflatoxin analysis. Proper sampling ensures sample integrity, traceability and generation of analytical results that accurately represent the agricultural consignment. This is particularly important for export commodities, where compliance with regulatory requirements is essential for food safety and international market access.

The training covered commodity-specific sampling procedures, regulatory requirements, sample handling, documentation, labelling, transportation and traceability. Special emphasis was placed on harmonising sampling practices among laboratories involved in export testing.

Together, the programmes trained 181 participants from 34 laboratories across India, strengthening national capacity in regulatory sampling. The trained personnel are expected to implement and disseminate the standardised practices in their respective laboratories, contributing to improved analytical reliability, regulatory compliance, food safety and enhanced quality of Indian agricultural exports.

A total of 79 participants from 12 laboratories across India participated, including 77 male and 2 female participants.

(Source: ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune)