QUETTA – On directions, of Ministry of Commerce, TDAP Quetta, in collaboration with ITC, Agriculture Department Govt. Of Balochistan and NRSP, organized the fourth in a series of seminars titled “Importance of Maximum Residual Level (MRL) in Rice in Global Markets” at Dera Murad Jamali, Naseerabad division, on June 28, 2021. The seminar was attended by more than 80 participants representing rice farmers, exporters, pesticide companies and relevant government organizations. The seminar was chaired by Mr. Qamber Dashti, Secretary Agriculture, Government of Balochistan.
Mr. Shoaib Zafar, Advisor ITC-ReMIT, who was also the main host of the event, stated that MRL is of critical concern in the exports of rice so as to meet stringent international standards & requirements. ITC is focusing on helping small businesses meet these requirements. Dr. Mubarak Ahmad, Rice Expert, spoke about the pernicious impact of pesticides on humans, plants and animals. He stated that due to injudicious use of pesticide, Pakistan’s exports face the risk of being banned, as the same happened to India. He dilated upon the concepts of Integrated Pest Management and WHO toxicity classes. He further added that Pakistani rice varieties are superb in quality and the only drawback in international markets is pesticide toxicity. Pesticides that are not meant for rice must not be used on rice. An export form UNDP was also invited, he stressed upon good agricultural practices to minimize the usage of harmful pesticides.
Secretary Agriculture spoke about the initiatives taken by the Government of Balochistan to avoid unnecessary use of fungicide and pesticide in cultivation, and to help with technology up gradation. He issued instructions to the Agriculture Departments of the Division to take necessary steps towards checking the excessive use of pesticides. He further suggested that the federal government may also establish Residual Analysis Labs in relevant, rice-growing districts, with a view to increase exports. Advisor ITC assured that collaborative steps will be taken shortly in the future. Dr. Arif Shah, the focal person as well as Director Agriculture extension Govt. Of Balochistan, spoke about the importance of PHI (Pre Harvest Interval).
An interactive Q&A session followed the seminar in which farmers voiced their concerns about crop profitability if pesticide use is curtailed. Many attendants spoke about the need for rapid research on new breeds of pest- and disease-resistant rice, especially varieties that can be grown in Naseerabad.
The untiring efforts of Mr. Amir Rehman, product officer Rice, Mr. Noor Ali Achakzai, Director/Incharge, Mr. Zubair Ahmed, Assistant Director, TDAP Quetta, and Agriculture Department govt. Of Balochistan played a vital role in the successful conduct of the event.
The seminar ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Saeed Ahmed Jamali, Commissioner Naseerabad.
