Karachi: Rejection of the Russian authorities to lift ban on import of Pakistani agricultural products, owing to the poor quarantine conditions during the export had resulted in set back to the country. As a consequence, Pakistan is likely to face $ 160 million to $ 170 million loss the following fiscal year state sources.
Farmers and agriculturalists of the country are to face the loss. It is pertinent here to mention that on 1st of October 2013, Russia Quarantine Department had imposed temporary ban over importing Pakistani farm products but still they continue with their stand, hence declining to foster trading terms with the country. They term the quarantine state to be inacceptable in hygiene respect and allege it to be reason for several health issues.
An official letter has also been sent to the relevant department by the Pakistan Embassy officials in this regard. In the wake of the incident, a high level meeting was convened last week by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan. The meeting invited the chairman of All Pakistan Vegetable And Fruit exporters while the relevant exporters and officials were also called upon to attend the meeting.
Government’s efforts to enter into peace talks with Russia’s Food Department had been talked upon. It was discussed on the occasion about the imperative steps that can restore the agreement between the two countries.
Russian Quarantine Department officials would be called upon to look the cultivation, processing and packaging methods themselves to ensure good hygienic conditions, it has been stated.