pakistan rice exporters struggle with shipment rejections by the EU, UK, and US
Published on: July 2, 2024.
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Pakistan’s rice export industry is facing a growing concern as shipments are being rejected by major markets like the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States due to serious food safety issues. The agricultural and food sector in Pakistan is grappling with various challenges, and rice emerges as the primary export commodity. In the fiscal year 2024, rice generated over USD 3.5 billion in foreign exchange for Pakistan, according to a report by Dawn.
The European Union has seen a surge in alerts since 2023 due to the detection of pesticide residues in rice shipments, particularly basmati rice, from Pakistan and India. These shipments failed to meet the EU’s maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides. Previously, India had a higher non-compliance rate, but in 2024, Pakistan’s rice shipments triggered more alerts, as reported by Dawn.
Pakistan has also experienced higher incidences of mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxins, compared to India over the past three years. Aflatoxins are toxic substances that develop in rice when it is infected by fungus or mold.
The increased presence of pesticide residues and mycotoxins in rice exports has raised concerns among exporters, who now face the threat of an EU ban unless corrective actions are taken promptly. Strengthening food safety protocols within the rice sector in Pakistan has become a critical necessity.
The rice value chain in Pakistan involves various stakeholders, including farmers, stockists, millers, and exporters. Farmers often use agrochemicals not approved for rice crops to combat pests and infections, leading to higher levels of pesticide residues in harvested rice. The lack of education among farmers exacerbates the issue, as they are unaware of rice-specific agrochemicals and their proper usage.
Premature harvesting, driven by climate change-induced rainfall patterns, and suboptimal drying methods contribute to fungal growth and aflatoxin contamination in harvested rice. Outdated sun drying methods persist among millers, highlighting inadequate infrastructure and technology adoption in Pakistan’s rice milling industry. Poor procurement practices without traceability and quality control further contribute to non-compliant rice shipments.
Pakistan’s government faces significant challenges in addressing these issues, including resistance from influential pesticide companies against implementing bans on harmful chemicals. Unlike Indian Punjab, Pakistan’s regulatory framework lacks specific provisions to regulate and enforce contract farming, which could improve agricultural practices and compliance with international food safety standards.
Efforts by organizations like the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) to raise awareness among farmers and stakeholders are commendable but insufficient. Extensive educational campaigns, particularly on digital platforms, and partnerships with agricultural extension services and pesticide companies are urgently needed.
Financial incentives, such as export development surcharges and subsidized loan schemes for upgrading drying facilities in rice mills, could encourage the adoption of safer agricultural practices. However, effective policy implementation and robust governmental support are currently lacking, according to Dawn.
Source: ThePrint
