ISLAMABAD: Russia has warned Pakistan that it will ban rice imports again if their phytosanitary concerns are not addressed in future consignments. Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of Russian Federation issued notification regarding violations of international and Russian phytosanitary requirements over a shipment of rice imported from Pakistan.

Notification, numbered FS-SA-3/6592 and April 2, 2024, highlights presence of quarantine organism, “Megaselia scalaris (Loew),” in rice consignment.

FSVPS has asked plenipotentiary and trade representative at Pakistani Embassy in Russia for an immediate investigation into matter.

Copy of notice issued by Russian authorities shows that FSVPS has asked relevant official in Pakistani Embassy to prevent such violations in future and emphasised importance of adhering to phytosanitary standards to ensure safety of agricultural products traded between countries. Meanwhile, trade wing of Pakistani Embassy in Moscow has forwarded English translation of Russian authority’s letter to Department of Plant Protection in Ministry of Food Security and other relevant government offices.

Meanwhile, FSVPS has also sent an official communication to director of DPP, seeking higher degree of cooperation in field of plant quarantine.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 22 2024

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