Russia has issued a warning to Pakistan regarding potential rice import bans if phytosanitary concerns are not addressed promptly. The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) raised alarms over violations found in a recent rice shipment, emphasizing the presence of the quarantine organism “Megaselia scalaris (Loew).”
The notification, dated April 2, 2024, numbered FS-SA-3/6592, underscores the importance of adhering to international and Russian phytosanitary requirements. The FSVPS has urged immediate action from Pakistani authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly.
In response, the trade wing of the Pakistani embassy in Moscow has forwarded the Russian notification to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and relevant government offices. The embassy’s letter to DPP emphasizes the need for a swift investigation and the sharing of results with FSVPS to prevent potential bans on rice exports.
This warning from Russia comes after previous bans in 2019, which lasted for around two years due to similar concerns. Negotiations between officials from both countries led to the lifting of the ban. However, Russia’s insistence on maintaining strict phytosanitary standards highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural products traded between nations.
Efforts to address these phytosanitary issues and enhance cooperation in plant quarantine are crucial to avoiding disruptions in rice trade between Russia and Pakistan in the future. Both parties are urged to work closely to resolve these concerns and maintain a mutually beneficial trade relationship.
