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By:

Rishabh Mishra

25 October 2024 at 4:23:56 am

Rejected Abroad, Consumed at Home

Pesticides used within approved limits are generally safe; the real risk comes from excessive, frequent, or prolonged exposure. Two years ago, Hong Kong, Singapore, and five other countries rejected consignments of certain Indian spice brands. More recently, Japan rejected Indian mangoes, and last week China turned back a shipment of Indian chillies. The reasons were either pesticide residues exceeding permissible limits or deficiencies in pest-control treatment procedures. These incidents...

Rejected Abroad, Consumed at Home

Pesticides used within approved limits are generally safe; the real risk comes from excessive, frequent, or prolonged exposure. Two years ago, Hong Kong, Singapore, and five other countries rejected consignments of certain Indian spice brands. More recently, Japan rejected Indian mangoes, and last week China turned back a shipment of Indian chillies. The reasons were either pesticide residues exceeding permissible limits or deficiencies in pest-control treatment procedures. These incidents raise an important question. If export-grade products, subjected to the highest levels of scrutiny and testing, fail to meet international standards, what is the condition of food reaching ordinary Indian consumers? Beyond affecting India's reputation in global markets, these developments cast serious doubts on the country's pesticide regulatory system and whether food available domestically is safe. Indian farmers continue to use several pesticides banned in many developed countries because of their harmful effects. These include chlorpyrifos, profenofos, paraquat, and monocrotophos. Many agricultural universities and extension services still recommend these chemicals without adequately considering their international regulatory status. Moreover, nearly 40 per cent of pesticides in circulation are estimated to be counterfeit or unregistered, leaving their exact composition and potential toxicity unknown. Food safety in India is overseen by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), while pesticide registration falls under the Central Insecticides Board and state agencies. However, coordination among these institutions remains inadequate. Enforcement is further weakened by the outdated Insecticides Act, 1968, under which authorities have only 60 days to file a court case after a sample fails quality testing. If the deadline is missed, the case automatically closes, significantly weakening regulatory action. India's pesticide industry is highly organised and influential. Industry pressure has reportedly weakened national monitoring initiatives such as the All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues (AINPPR). The extent of this influence is reflected in the government's 2020 proposal to ban 27 hazardous pesticides—a move that was later shelved. The risk posed by pesticide residues depends on what we eat, how much we eat, and how often. Leafy vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek, and coriander are among the highest-risk foods because they are often heavily sprayed before harvest and have no protective peel. Okra, brinjal (eggplant), and tomatoes also fall into this category. Among fruits, grapes, strawberries, and plums, which are commonly eaten without peeling, may pose a greater risk than fruits whose skins are discarded. Spices have consistently recorded some of the highest pesticide residue levels, leading to export rejections by Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. Yet domestic consumers have no practical way of knowing the contamination levels in the spices they purchase. To safeguard public health, the government must prioritise three critical policy measures. First, all major food categories should undergo large-scale testing through independent laboratories, and the results should be released promptly and made publicly available. Unless consumers know the level of pesticide residues present in the food they eat, meaningful reform will remain impossible. Second, highly hazardous chemicals such as monocrotophos, paraquat, and chlorpyrifos should be phased out and eventually banned. Farmers should receive financial incentives, technical support, and access to safer alternatives. At the same time, counterfeit pesticides must be removed from the market. Third, responsibility for food safety and pesticide monitoring remains fragmented across multiple agencies. India needs a strong, unified institution capable of overseeing the entire chain—from pesticide registration and distribution to the safety of food sold in the marketplace. The proposed Pesticides Management Bill, 2025, could provide an important opportunity to strengthen this framework. It is important to note that pesticides are generally regarded as safe when used within limits established by food safety authorities. The real concern arises from excessive, frequent, or long-term exposure, particularly when combined with diets high in processed foods. Such exposure can contribute to a range of health problems. Since everything we eat first passes through the digestive system, certain chemicals and highly processed foods can disrupt beneficial gut bacteria, leading to bloating, acidity, indigestion, constipation, or diarrhoea. The unnecessary use of antibiotics in poultry and livestock farming is another serious public health concern. It contributes to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, making future infections more difficult to treat. The liver also processes everything we consume as part of its normal physiological function. However, prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals may increase the risk of fatty liver disease and other metabolic disorders. Ultimately, food safety is not merely an issue of agricultural productivity or export competitiveness—it is a fundamental public health imperative. Protecting consumers from excessive pesticide exposure requires stronger regulation, transparent monitoring, scientific accountability, and a coordinated institutional framework that places public health above commercial interests. (The writer is a columnist and assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kanpur Institute of Technology, Kanpur. Views personal.)

Indecision Kills Personal Branding

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Indecision Kills

In a world that celebrates clarity and confidence, hesitancy is a silent yet powerful force that can diminish your personal brand. When people dwell in the realms of “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” they unknowingly project uncertainty and unreliability—traits that can undermine the foundation of a strong personal brand. Your ability to make decisions and stand firm on them is not just a reflection of your leadership but also a testament to your personal brand’s strength.


Every interaction we have leaves an impression. Be it a professional email, a networking event, or a casual conversation, these moments contribute to how others perceive us. When you continuously oscillate between indecision and vague responses, it sends a message that you lack confidence or direction. In business, where trust and reliability are paramount, this can become a significant roadblock.


Imagine a scenario where a client approaches two service providers with the same inquiry. The first one confidently outlines a plan, clearly stating the next steps, while the second hesitates, replying with, “I’m not sure; let me think about it.” Even if both have the same expertise, the client is more likely to gravitate toward the first provider. Confidence fosters trust, and trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships—professional or personal.


Indecision can often stem from the fear of making mistakes or being judged. While this is natural, it’s important to remember that perfection is an illusion. The act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be less than ideal, demonstrates courage, responsibility, and accountability. These are the traits that elevate a personal brand, distinguishing you in a crowded and competitive world.


Being decisive doesn’t mean being impulsive or reckless. It means gathering information, weighing options, and then committing to a choice with confidence. In personal branding, this is particularly crucial because every decision you make—how you respond to challenges, present yourself, or communicate with others—forms part of the narrative others associate with you.


Hesitation and indecision don’t only affect how others perceive you; they also impact how you view yourself. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to self-doubt, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more uncertain you are, the more others will mirror that uncertainty, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.


One way to counter this is by setting clear priorities and aligning your decisions with them. For instance, if your personal brand is centred around being a thought leader in your industry, your choices should reflect expertise and foresight. Even in moments of ambiguity, acknowledging the uncertainty while showing a proactive approach—such as saying, “I’ll find out and get back to you”—conveys both honesty and determination.


During my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of how decisiveness shapes impressions. Whether interacting with global clients or navigating unfamiliar professional terrains, I realized that certainty in communication was key to building trust and rapport. This was particularly evident when representing my personal brand on international platforms. A clear, confident tone opened doors and strengthened relationships that would have otherwise remained distant.


The next time you find yourself leaning on phrases like “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” pause and ask yourself: Is this hesitation necessary? Sometimes, it’s about silencing the inner critic and choosing to act decisively. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the act of making a choice positions you as someone who is reliable, proactive, and worth trusting.


Your personal brand isn’t defined by the absence of mistakes but by how you handle them and move forward. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices—it’s about owning them. And in a world that often feels uncertain, those who lead with clarity and conviction stand out.


Make your decisions a reflection of your confidence, and watch as your personal brand strengthens, opening doors you never imagined.

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(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)

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