russia warns pakistan of potential ban on rice imports
Published on: April 30, 2024.
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Russia Issues Warning to Pakistan Over Rice Imports
In a recent development, Russia has issued a warning to Pakistan regarding potential bans on rice imports if concerns regarding phytosanitary issues are not addressed. The warning comes after a notification from Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) highlighted violations of international and Russian phytosanitary requirements in a recent shipment of rice imported from Pakistan.
The notification, dated April 2, highlights the presence of a quarantine organism, “Megaselia scalaris (Loew),” in the rice consignment. In response, the FSVPS has urged the trade representative at the Pakistani embassy in Russia to conduct an immediate investigation into the matter.
The Pakistani embassy in Moscow has promptly forwarded the letter from the Russian authorities to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) in the Ministry of Food Security and other relevant government offices. They have also warned about the potential ban on rice exports if further complaints are received from Russian authorities.
It is crucial for Pakistani rice exporters to adhere to phytosanitary standards and take measures to prevent similar violations in the future. Failure to do so may result in significant consequences for Pakistan’s rice export industry.
Chela Ram Kewlani, Chairman of the Pakistan Rice Exporters Association, has emphasized the importance of selecting and packaging rice for export with utmost care. He also highlighted that Pakistan has benefitted from India’s suspension of non-Basmati rice exports, as India holds a major share of nearly 40% in the global rice trade.
According to PTI, December 2023 saw a record-breaking export of nearly 700,000 tonnes of rice from Pakistan, marking the highest monthly export for the fiscal year.
In conclusion, it is crucial for Pakistan to address the phytosanitary concerns raised by Russia and ensure that all Pakistani rice exporters comply with international standards. By doing so, Pakistan can safeguard its rice export industry and maintain strong trade relationships.
**Source:** [Times Now News](https://www.timesnownews.com)
