Reap Worries About Transportation Challenges Arising from Axle Load Restrictions
Published on: November 30, 2023.
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Expressing Concern Over Axle Load Restrictions, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan Calls for Action
In a recent development, the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has raised concerns regarding the axle load restrictions imposed by the Punjab Government. Haseeb Ali Khan, Senior Vice Chairman of REAP, highlighted the adverse effects of these restrictions on the transportation of paddy from farms to mills.
The ongoing Basmati Paddy season in Punjab and Sindh has been greatly impacted by the transporters’ refusal to load paddy from farms due to the implementation of the axle load restrictions. With the new regulations in place, it now requires nearly double the number of transportation carriers to effectively transport paddy from the fields to the mills within the stipulated time of 24 hours post-harvest. This is necessary to ensure proper drying and to prevent the generation of mycotoxins.
It is important to note that Pakistan had received over 40 rapid alerts from the European Union in 2022 for aflatoxins in rice. However, due to effective management by rice exporters, this number was reduced to just 10 in 2023. The current load restrictions are causing significant delays in transporting paddy to the mills, primarily due to the low availability of transportation and the potential generation of mycotoxins. This poses a risk to over 400,000 tons of trade worth USD 500 million annually.
Haseeb Ali Khan emphasized the need to enhance transportation carriers before implementing such laws. By ensuring the availability of enough carriers to ship paddy to dryers in a timely and efficient manner, the industry can avoid further disruptions. He further requested a 2-month delay in the implementation of the law or an exemption for paddy and rice transportation to mitigate the potential losses for farmers and rice exporters.
The All Pakistan Transport Workers Union has highlighted the impact of the axle load restrictions on the carrying capacity of different vehicles. Prior to the introduction of these restrictions, a 22-wheeler trawler could carry 74 tons, an 18-wheeler could carry 60 tons, a 14-wheeler trawler could carry 50 tons, a 10-wheeler trawler could carry 45 tons, a 6-wheeler Hino could carry 26 tons, and a Mazda vehicle could carry 13 tons.
To further escalate the matter, the All Pakistan Transporters have announced a strike scheduled for Monday. This strike is expected to cause additional delays and result in the deterioration of grain quality at farms. REAP urges the government to promptly address this issue and find a resolution to minimize any adverse impact on exports.
In conclusion, the concerns raised by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan regarding the axle load restrictions call for swift action to ensure the smooth transportation of paddy from farms to mills. By addressing the availability of transportation carriers and considering the exemptions requested, the government can safeguard the interests of both farmers and rice exporters.
