The seeds/planting material selected for planting must be most suited for the local production situation and conditions.
1.1 The producer should choose the variety of crop that is most suited for the geographical location and climate
1.2 The producer should choose the variety of crop that is pest and disease resistant.
1.3 The use of genetically engineered seeds, pollen, transgene plants or plant material should be avoided.
1.4 The producer should maintain records of the seeds/planting materials purchased.
The certified farm must develop a clear and visually identifiable system for avoiding the mixing of certified products with non-certified products.
2.1 Records of the volume of certified products harvested should be regularly available and maintained
2.2 Records of the volume of certified sold products should be regularly available and maintained
2.3 The producer must follow a clear and visually identifiable label while transportation
2.4 The producer must have records of product flow including the balance stock of each certified product.
Conservation of soil and minimising soil erosion and degradation
3.1 The producer must use techniques to prevent soil erosion. In the case of new planting, vetiver grass or other suitable plant species should be planted around the erosion-prone areas
3.2 The producer must use techniques to maintain and improve soil structure and fertility.
3.3 In sloppy areas, planting on contour lines should be followed. Whenever possible, contour bunds must be constructed for soil and water conversation.
Need for appropriate choice and use of recommended fertilizers.
4.1 The fertilizer application should be made on the basis of nutrient availability of the soil
4.2 Fertilizers should be selected and used as per the recommendation of Kerala Agricultural University and other research institutions.
4.3 Records should be maintained for the purchase of fertilizers, storage, and application.
4.4 The fertilizers must be stored safely in facilities that are dry, well ventilated and do not have access to children and unintended people.
4.5 All the applications of organic and inorganic soil and foliar fertilizers are recorded. It should include:
date of application
product brand name, type of fertilizer and chemical composition-quantity or volume per hectare, plot or field
field identification
method of application and equipment used
Minimise the use of CPP’s and safe application and disposal of CPPs
5.1 Integrated pest and weed management programme may be adopted, which promotes the use of physical, biological, mechanical and cultural control methods, and the least possible use of agrochemicals
5.2 CPPs should be selected and used as per the recommendation of Agricultural University
5.3 Documented records for the use of CPPs must be available, including:
pre-harvest interval
date of application
product brand name, type of fertilizer and chemical composition-quantity or volume per hectarre, plot or field
field identification
method of application and equipment used
5.4 The registered pre-harvest intervals should be strictly followed by the farm
5.5 All the plant protection product applications should be recorded including the pre-harvest interval.
5.6 Adequate visual warning signs must be used to inform people on re-entry time.
5.7 The certified unit must have an adequate plan for safe disposal of the CPP empty containers
5.8 Emergency facilities and procedures must be available in the vicinity of CPP storage to deal with spillage of CPP
5.9 Obsolete plant protection products should be securely maintained and disposed off in a safe manner.
5.10 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be available with the farmer to deal with accidental poisoning.
To ensure water conservation and use of water from sustainable sources
6.1 The best possible irrigation method that minimises the wastage of water must be used.
6.2 Sewage water must not be used for irrigation
6.3 Rainwater harvesting or infiltration may be practiced, for example from roofs or retention ponds built-in run-off areas away from streams
Avoid contamination through the processes
7.1 Good hygenic practices should be ensured in packing and labeling
7.2 Product integrity should be maintained during packing and transportation of certified products
7.3 Certified products should be separated from non-certified product during transport with clear labeling.
7.4 Cleaning agents, lubricants, fuel, CPP and fertilizers should not be stored along with the packing materials, finished products, etc., to prevent chemical contamination of produce.
7.5 Transport vehicles should be maintained clean to avoid contamination.
7.6 Rejected produce and waste material in the packing environment should be stored in designated areas.
7.7 Packing materials should be clean and stored in clean and hygenic conditions.
Ensure appropriate waste management Practices
8.1 The farm must implement an integrated waste management program for the wastes it generates
8.2 The farm must appropriately use the crop residues and bio degradable wastes from farm and processing as manure, compost or mulch.
8.3 The use of open waste dumps and open-air burning of waste is prohibited.
8.4 The waste deposit areas on the farm must be managed to reduce the risks of environmental contamination and damage to human health.
8.5 Plastic items, PVC and other toxic items should never be burnt in the farm.
8.6 The farm must be clean and free of non bio-degredable waste products in order to maintain a positive image of the farm.
Training programmes
9.1 Training must be provided to farmers on GAP standards
9.2 Farmers and workers must be trained on the safe use of crop protection products and other agrochemicals.
9.3 Farmers and workers must be trained on use of personal protective equipment while applying the crop protection products.
9.4 Training must be provided to farmers and workers on the safe and appropriate application of fertilizers.
9.5 Farmers and workers should be trained on appropriate on-farm processing and handling activities.
9.6 Farmers and workers should be trained on-farm management activities including maintaining proper buffer zone, water management, waste management.
9.7 Records of training must be maintained for verification.
Conservation and protection of natural ecosystems and biodiversity
10.1 The farming activity must not cause any type of contamination or pollution to the environment.
10.2 No solid waste must be discharged into the farm
10.3 Conduct activities to restore degraded ecosystems
10.4 No destruction of threatened or endangered plant/animal species
Health and safety of workers/farmers in the workplace at the farm
11.1 All workers and or farmer himself who apply, handle, transport or come into contact with agrochemicals must be trained by a qualified trainer.
11.2 The unit shall provide free access to clean and safe drinking water for all workers.
11.3 The production unit should make available first aid boxes
11.4 Farmers/Workers who apply hazardous crop protection products should wear suitable protective clothing and equipment that is in good condition.
