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Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate body reviews reforms to boost agricultural exports
Listen to article The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, led by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, visited the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) head office to review key interventions made for improving sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) compliance and curbing maximum residue limit (MRL) violations in agricultural exports, particularly rice. The visit comes as recent reforms, spurred by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have already led to a marked decline in export interceptions and noticeable improvements in compliance standards. The committee was briefed in detail by senior DPP officials, including Tahir Abbas (Director General), Muhammad Ishfaque (Deputy Director Quarantine) and Muhammad Basit (Director Quarantine), on the measures taken to align Pakistan's export framework with international food safety and plant protection standards. The committee noted the significant strides made in improving compliance, especially in light of the prime minister's directives issued in December 2024, which called for legal action against negligent officers and the immediate establishment of pesticide residue testing laboratories. These directives have shown concrete results. In 2023, Pakistan faced 61 interceptions of rice consignments by the European Union due to higher MRL and aflatoxins. The number rose to 106 in 2024, with 73 linked directly to pesticide residues. However, following reforms, the year 2025 has seen a notable decline, with only 30 interceptions recorded so far – just 13 related to MRL and 15 to aflatoxins. This decline is attributed to intensified monitoring, awareness campaigns for exporters and closer coordination between the DPP, provincial departments and industry stakeholders. Notably, pesticides such as Acetamiprid, Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam were identified as primary contributors to MRL breaches. The committee also discussed progress in the maize sector. Maize is Pakistan's third major food grain, with annual production of 10.634 million tonnes over 1.72 million hectares. In 2023-24, exports peaked at 1.837 million tonnes but declined sharply in 2024-25 to just over 786,000 tonnes. While high domestic prices contributed to this drop, phytosanitary interceptions by Vietnam due to Khapra Beetle infestation also played a role. Following Vietnam's third warning and 72 reported interceptions, the DPP imposed a temporary two-week export ban and suspended responsible fumigators. Corrective actions such as the registration of 63 compliant storage godowns, traceability protocols and pest-specific fumigation SOPs were implemented. Additional efforts included stakeholder meetings, strict inspection regimes and firm control over the use of jute bags — a major source of infestation. The committee turned its attention to mango exports, with special emphasis on high-end markets such as Japan, Korea and the US, which have strict protocols including hot water treatment (HWT) and vapour heat treatment, among others. While the DPP has developed SOPs and installed CCTV surveillance systems for monitoring HWT facilities, the chairman raised concerns over operational irregularities.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Rain-hit green gram crop shows signs of nutrient stress in Belagavi
Belagavi: Due to heavy rains and increased moisture, the green gram crop is facing nutrient deficiency in Belagavi district. To date, green gram has been sown in more than 32,000 hectares out of the total 41,000 hectares of land meant for the crop in the district. Farmers are concerned as the leaves of the crop are turning yellow in many places. Agriculture department sources said early sowing of the crop this year is one of the reasons for this effect. According to agricultural officials, this time, the sown crop is suffering from increased moisture. Farmers are worried about leaves turning yellow and preserving the crop. Green gram was sown in a total of 41,066 hectares in the entire district. The highest area of green gram sowing in the district is in Ramdurg taluk, with the crop being grown in 19,610 hectares. There are 18,181 hectares of green gram crop area in Savadatti, 1,936 hectares in Yaragatti, and 260 hectares in Hukkeri taluk. The green gram crop has already sprouted in more than half the area, while heavy rainfall has hindered sowing in the rest. Solution for crop problem Agriculture department officials have suggested solutions to overcome the problem of leaf yellowing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cuối cùng, chơi miễn phí game chiến thuật hay nhất 2025! Sea of Conquest Phát ngay Undo They say it is necessary to provide nutrients through the leaves. If the crop is less than 20 days old, 2 grams of 19:19:19 fertiliser and 2 grams of 13:0:45 fertiliser should be mixed in 1 litre of water and sprayed on the leaves. In addition, 1 gram of Thiamethoxam insecticide and 1 gram of Carbon Dyzim or (1 gram Carbendazim + Mancozeb) compound fungicide should be sprayed separately to manage the sap-sucking grey disease. Now, if the crop is 29 to 30 days old, 3 grams of 19:19:19 fertiliser should be mixed with 3 grams of 13:0:45 fertiliser for 1 litre of water and sprayed. Sidagouda Modagi, the president of Bharateeya Krishik Samaj (BKS), said that green gram is a sensitive crop. Even slight changes in the climate can affect the growth of the crop. The steps recommended by the officials can be followed, but the crop protection methods that farmers have been following through years of experience are the most effective. If there is more sunshine, the moisture-induced diseases will be reduced. HD Kolekar, joint director of the agriculture department, said the department is ready to help farmers in all situations. Officials are visiting fields and advising farmers on plant protection. Under Sanjeevini scheme, farmers can also avail the services of the agriculture department. —— Box here
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
EU curbs on chemicals may impact Assam tea export
Guwahati: The Tea Research Association Tocklai (TRA Tocklai) in Assam, recognised as the world's oldest and largest tea research facility, has raised serious concerns about new European Union Commission regulations restricting three chemical compounds commonly used in Indian tea production, particularly in Assam. According to officials, the regulations will lower the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) of Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin to 0.05 ppm from March 2026. Similar constraints for Thiacloprid were effective from May. These substances are essential for controlling pests in tea plantations. Various Indian organisations, including the Tea Board, TRA Tocklai, department of commerce, and Indian Embassy in the EU, have approached DG Sanco and DG Trade of the EU, requesting time to phase out existing chemicals until alternatives receive approval. India's tea exports to the EU and UK amount to 53 million kgs per annum, predominantly from Assam. These regulations can impact the supply of 40 million kgs from Assam every year. EU and UK importers are worried about purchasing Indian teas, as they maintain tea stocks for 12-24 months, potentially facing compliance issues when the new regulations take effect. Indian Embassy representatives in Brussels are scheduled to meet EU officials in early June to address trade matters. The Embassy has sought information from TRA Tocklai and the Tea Board regarding alternative substances, transition plans, and scientific evidence supporting extension requests, along with the potential effects of neonicotinoid restrictions on tea exports. TRA Tocklai has petitioned senior EU officials for a five-year transition period from current chemicals to newer alternatives. "Since good Assam orthodox teas are exported to the EU and UK, the new EU regulation may cause a major hindrance to exports, and reputed tea importers like Thiele & Co have sought the intervention of the Assam chief minister in saving the reduction of tea exports from Assam," said Joydeep Phukan, secretary and principal officer at TRA Tocklai. "The alternatives such as Chlorfenapyr, Tolfenpyrad, and Flupyradifurone are not approved for use in tea by CIBRC India," he added. German tea importer Thiele & Freese has appealed to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for support against these restrictions, emphasising the critical situation with "Assam tea in danger." The traditional East Frisian tea, of which Assam tea is an integral part, is recognised as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage, dating back some 450 years. "With an annual per capita consumption of 300 litres, our region ranks among the top globally in tea consumption," read the letter. The letter emphasised that premium second flush Assam teas are crucial for high-quality blends, declaring "Assam tea is indispensable."
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Assam tea industry raises concerns over new EU regulations impacting exports
New EU regulations restricting key chemical compounds in Indian tea production, particularly in Assam, have sparked concerns about potential export disruptions. GUWAHATI: The Tea Research Association Tocklai (TRA Tocklai) in Assam, recognised as the world's oldest and largest tea research facility, has raised serious concerns about new European Union Commission regulations restricting three chemical compounds commonly used in Indian tea production, particularly in Assam. According to officials, the regulations will lower the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) of Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin to 0.05 ppm from March 2026. Similar constraints for Thiacloprid were effective from May. These substances are essential for controlling pests in tea plantations. Various Indian organisations, including the Tea Board, TRA Tocklai, Department of Commerce, and Indian Embassy in the EU, have approached DG Sanco and DG Trade of the EU, requesting time to phase out existing chemicals until alternatives receive approval. India's tea exports to the EU and UK amount to 53 million kgs per annum, predominantly from Assam. These regulations can impact the supply of 40 million kgs from Assam every year. EU and UK importers are worried about purchasing Indian teas, as they maintain tea stocks for 12-24 months, potentially facing compliance issues when the new regulations take effect. Indian Embassy representatives in Brussels are scheduled to meet EU officials in early June to address trade matters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artrose? Esta joelheira biônica pode ajudar a renovar seu joelho LegFix Undo The Embassy has sought information from TRA Tocklai and the Tea Board regarding alternative substances, transition plans, and scientific evidence supporting extension requests, along with the potential effects of neonicotinoid restrictions on tea exports. TRA Tocklai has petitioned senior EU officials for a five-year transition period from current chemicals to newer alternatives. "Since good Assam orthodox teas are exported to the EU and UK, the new EU regulation may cause a major hindrance to exports, and reputed tea importers like Thiele & Co have sought the intervention of the Assam chief minister in saving the reduction of tea exports from Assam," said Joydeep Phukan, Secretary and Principal Officer at TRA Tocklai. "The alternatives such as Chlofenapyr, Tolfenpyriad, and Flupyridifurone are not approved for use in tea by CIBRC India," he added. German tea importer Thiele & Freese has appealed to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for support against these restrictions, emphasising the critical situation with "Assam tea in danger." The traditional East Frisian tea, of which Assam tea is an integral part, is recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, dating back some 450 years. "With an annual per capita consumption of 300 litres, our region ranks among the top globally in tea consumption," read the letter. The letter emphasised that premium second flush Assam teas are crucial for high-quality blends, declaring "Assam tea is indispensable." It noted that recent EU legal developments threaten the established partnership between Indian and European tea industries. "We understand that the Indian Ministry of Commerce and the Tea Board have sent a formal request to the EU, asking for a three-year extension for the use of Thiamethoxam and Clothianidin. A response is still pending," read the letter. The letter warned that export uncertainty could affect Assam this year itself. "We are deeply concerned that Assam could lose one of its most vital export markets, resulting in significant losses in foreign currency revenue. The reputation of Assam tea may suffer, and buyers could turn to alternative origins," read the letter.
