Russia may consider banning rice imports from Pakistan over phytosanitary concerns
Published on: April 29, 2024.
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Russia Warns Pakistan of Rice Import Ban Over Phytosanitary Concerns
Russia has issued a warning to Pakistan about the potential ban on rice imports after phytosanitary violations were identified in a recent shipment of rice. The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) in Russia discovered the presence of a quarantine organism called “Megaselia scalaris (Loew)” in the rice consignment. Unless these concerns are addressed in future consignments, Russia has indicated that they may impose the ban again.
The notification from FSVPS, dated April 2, urges Pakistan to investigate the matter promptly. The Pakistan embassy in Russia has been notified to prevent such violations and ensure that all rice exporters comply with phytosanitary standards to safeguard the safety of agricultural products traded between the two countries.
To avoid further complaints and a potential ban, Pakistan’s trade wing in Moscow has forwarded the Russian authority’s letter to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) in the Ministry of Food Security and other relevant government offices. This proactive measure aims to address the concerns raised by Russian authorities.
Russia had previously banned rice imports from Pakistan in 2019 and in December 2006 due to issues related to health safety and food safety standards, respectively. This recent warning from Russia underscores the importance for Pakistani rice exporters to exercise caution in the selection and packaging of rice for export.
Notably, Pakistan has seen a positive impact on its rice exports after India banned the export of non-Basmati rice last year. India holds a significant share of around 40% in global rice trade. As a result, Pakistan’s rice exports increased significantly, with about 700,000 tonnes of rice exported in December 2023 alone, marking the highest monthly export volume for the fiscal year.
The Rice Export Corporation is projecting a substantial increase in exports for Basmati rice and non-Basmati rice from Pakistan. They expect a 60% jump in Basmati rice exports, reaching over a million tonnes, and a 36% increase in non-Basmati rice exports, totaling 4.25 million tonnes. Overall, they aim to export over five million metric tonnes of all types of rice in the fiscal year 2023/2024, a significant increase from the previous year’s exports of 3.7 million tonnes.
In conclusion, it is crucial for Pakistan to address Russia’s phytosanitary concerns and ensure compliance with international standards to maintain a successful rice export industry. By doing so, Pakistan can continue to capitalize on the rising global demand for rice.
Source: [Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com)
