(1) In addition to the conditions specified in sub-rule (8) of rule 3 of the General Grading and Marking Rules,1988 every Authorised Packer shall follow all instructions issued by the Agricultural Marketing Adviser from time to time;
(2) The Authorised Packer shall either set up his own laboratory or has access to the State Grading Laboratory or Private Commercial Laboratory approved for the purpose and manned by a qualified chemist approved by the Agricultural Marketing Adviser or an officer authorised by him in this behalf in accordance with rule 9 of the General Grading and Marking Rules, 1988 for testing the quality of mahua flower.
(3) The premises for processing, grading and packing shall be maintained in perfect hygienic and sanitary conditions.
(4) The personnel engaged in these operations shall be in sound health and free from any infectious, contagious or communicable diseases.
(5) The premises shall have adequate storage facilities with pucca floor and free from rodent and insect infestation.
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SCHEDULE – I (see rule – 3) DESIGN OF THE AGMARK INSIGNIA CA No.
Name of the Commodity……………………………………… Grade…………………………………………………………… -6-
SCHEDULE – II (see rules 4 and 5) Grade designation and quality of mahua flower Mahua flower means dried corolla of Mahua flower obtained from varieties of Madhuca latifolia and Madhuca longifolia;
2. Minimum requirements. – (i) Mahua flower shall have the size, shape and colour characteristics of the commodity.
(ii) It shall be,-
(a) dried, sound and clean;
(b) free of any visible foreign matter;
(c) free from insect infestations, live insect , dead insects, mould growth, larvae and added colouring matter, rodent hair and excreta, etc.;
(d) free from fermentation, rancid taste and musty odours;
(e) free from dirt, extraneous matter and other adulterants;
(f) free from any fungal or bacterial contamination; and
(g) free from any external moisture.
(iii) The taste and smell of mahua flower shall be associated with the produce.
(iv) Mahua flower shall comply with the residue levels of heavy metals, pesticides and other food safety parameters as laid down by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for exports.
(v) It shall comply with the restrictions in regard to metallic contaminants, naturally occurring toxic substances, insecticide and pesticides as specified in rules 57, 57B and 65 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955 respectively and other provisions of the said rules.
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3. Criteria for grade designation TABLE Grade designation Special characteristics Organic extraneous matter per cent by mass on dry basis Inorganic extraneous matter per cent by mass on dry basis Moisture content per cent by mass Total ash per cent by mass on dry basis Acid insoluble ash per cent by mass on dry basis Crude fibre per cent by mass on dry basis Total reducing sugar plus sucrose per cent Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Minimum
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) Special 0.8 0.3 12.0 3.0 0.5 3.0 60 Standard 1.0 0.5 14.0 4.0 1.0 4.0 50 General 1.5 0.8 16.0 5.0 1.5 5.0 40
4. Other requirements. - The condition of the mahua flower shall be such as to enable them--
(a) to withstand transport and handling; and
(b) to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
Explanation 1. - For the purposes of these rules, “organic extraneous matter” means vegetable matter of plant other than the mahua flower.
Explanation 2.- For the purposes of these rules, “inorganic extraneous matter” means sand, stones, pebbles, lumps of earth, clay, mud etc.
[F.No. 18011/21/2007-M.III] (U.K.S.CHAUHAN) Joint Secretary (Agricultural Marketing)