Ministry of National Food Security and Research is reportedly stunned on issuance of phytosanitary certificates for mangoes destined for Iran from Multan without hot-water treatment, well informed sources told the Business Recorder.
"The issuance of phytosanitary certificates for Iran without hot-water treatment may lead to sanctions on export of fruits king MANGO from Pakistan, like sanctions on Pakistan kinnow few years back by Iran," the sources apprehended.
Commerce Ministry's statistics show that export of agro-commodities have already slashed significantly during the past year.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research is also furious on the behaviour of PPA&DG department of plant protection as some senior officials of the disreputable organisation are involved in illegal activities which implies that irresponsible behaviour is being expressed in regulating the quarantine matters which is called the second defence.
According to sources, a committee was formed for technical audit of the Hot Water Treatment (HWT) facilities Multan but only Mr. Imtiaz entomologist was instructed by the PPA & DG to send the inspection report directly without taking immediate incharge on board.
An Inspector not only sent the report but also issued the PC for 95 MT of mango which was not even taken at the WHT plant mentioned in the certificate claim that certificates are being issued in Multan at Rs 6 per kg without treatment.
Experts are of the view that illegal issuance of phytosanitary certificates will lead to interceptions and subsequently the ban on export of agro-commodities to Iran.
Exporters have requested Federal Minister and the Secretary National Food Security and Research to take strict action against the responsible officials otherwise the export of mangoes will be affected very badly.
In 2015, Pakistan exported 56000 ton of mangoes around the world in which 15000 ton was exported to Iran.
"If Iran imposes ban on mangoes, Pakistan may loose huge amount of foreign exchange and a big market because of incompetence of plant protection of Pakistan," said an exporter.