The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research has lauded the federal government’s recent interventions in improving Pakistan’s agricultural export standards, particularly for rice, mango, and maize, citing a significant drop in export rejections by international markets.
According to a statement issued by the Senate Secretariat here on Friday, during a visit to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) headquarters in Karachi, the committee – chaired by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan – reviewed measures taken to strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) compliance and reduce Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) violations. The reforms, initiated under Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s directives in December 2024, have already started yielding results.
According to DPP data presented to the committee, the number of rice consignment interceptions by the European Union dropped from 106 in 2024 to only 30 in 2025 so far – with just 13 linked to MRLs and 15 to aflatoxins. In 2023, the figure stood at 61. Officials attributed the improvement to enhanced surveillance, exporter awareness campaigns, and better coordination among stakeholders. Pesticides such as Acetamiprid, Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid, and Thiamethoxam were flagged as the main contributors to MRL violations.
The DPP Director General Tahir Abbas, Deputy Director Quarantine Dr. Muhammad Ishfaque, and Director Quarantine Muhammad Basit briefed the committee on a series of corrective steps, including the establishment of pesticide residue testing labs and legal action against negligent officers.
The committee also expressed concern over the drop in maize exports, which declined from 1.837 million metric tons in 2023-24 to just over 786,000 metric tons in 2024-25. While high domestic prices played a role, phytosanitary interceptions by Vietnam – particularly over Trogoderma granarium (khapra beetle) infestation – triggered additional export restrictions. In response, DPP temporarily banned maize exports, suspended fumigators, registered compliant storage facilities, and enforced new fumigation protocols.
Regarding mango exports to high-end markets like Japan, Korea, and the U.S., the committee appreciated the installation of surveillance systems for Hot Water Treatment (HWT) plants. However, the Chairman voiced serious concerns over alleged corruption, equipment failures, and selective enforcement. One exporter reported a dramatic drop in shipments from 40,000 kg to just 7,000 kg this season, blaming preferential treatment and broken compliance mechanisms.
The committee recommended appointing a technically qualified and permanent Director General at DPP – ideally a PhD in entomology or plant protection – to ensure long-term institutional stability and strategic leadership. Support was also reiterated for the early establishment of the National Food Safety, Animal and Plant Health Regulatory Authority (NAFSA), release of lab development funds, amendments in fumigation rules, and provincial-level coordination.
The committee regretted the absence of officials from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and directed that a formal complaint be lodged with the Chairman Senate for necessary action, stressing the need for full ministry participation in critical policy matters. The meeting was also attended by Senators Rahat Jamali, Dost Muhammad Khan, and Abdul Wasay.