ISLAMABAD: In a bid to address interceptions in Pakistani rice exports to Europe and enhance agricultural exports, the Ministry of National Food Security & Research has announced key policy decisions. A special meeting, chaired by Federal Secretary Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, was held in Islamabad, bringing together stakeholders from provinces, private companies, and multinational corporations.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, one of the major decisions taken was the immediate halt of methyl bromide fumigation in Pakistan. Instead, fumigation will now be conducted in the importing countries, aligning with international standards. Additionally, strict scientific monitoring of import conditions will be enforced within the next two weeks.
This move is expected to benefit Pakistani rice exporters by eliminating unnecessary fumigation costs, thereby reducing the export price of rice and making it more competitive in global markets. The longstanding demands of the Rice Exporters Association were also reviewed, with measures being introduced to ensure a transparent and fair trade system.
Furthermore, the ministry claims it has launched a crackdown on the so-called ‘spray mafia’ and is taking strong action to eliminate corruption in the agricultural commodity trade. These reforms aim to improve Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable rice exporter.
