Arooj Zulfiqar

Pakistan's rice exports to Russia are set to increase as 15 new mills have been approved for the purpose. In this respect, the Ministry of Food Security and Research has reached an important milestone in extending the country's rice exports to Russia. The Department of Plant Protection (DPP) of the ministry has played an important role in obtaining accreditation for 15 rice mills, allowing them to export rice to Russia.

As a result of this development, the country's economy and exports will be boosted. “The approval of Pakistan's rice export to Russia is a positive news for our rice industry and rice farmers in Punjab and Sindh,” said Dr Abid Majeed Satti, a senior scientific officer at the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad. 

He said the development would help further boost Pakistan’s rice exports. Pakistan earned $2.5 billion from rice exports during the fiscal year 2022-23. “It is also an opportunity for Pakistan to enhance the export of other agricultural products by improving quality standards. Pakistan and Russia have a long history of collaboration in a variety of fields. Looking ahead, there is great potential for further collaboration between the two countries,” he said.

Pakistan’s exports of rice to Russia

Pakistan’s exports of rice to Russia totalled $5.38 million in 2021, according to the United Nations database on international trade. Majeed Satti said that in 2019, Russia banned Pakistani rice exports over pesticide and insect concerns. “The ban affected Pakistan's rice industry and exports to Russia. However, with persistent efforts by the Ministry of Food Security and Research, the situation has now taken a favorable turn.” According to the information available with WealthPK, initially, only four rice mills that met strict quality standards were allowed to export rice to Russia in October 2021.

This small number restricted Pakistan's potential growth in rice exports. However, with Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance recently approving 15 more rice mills, the total number of rice factories authorised to export to Russia has climbed to 19. With the addition of 15 new rice mills to the authorised list, Pakistan's rice exports to Russia are expected to increase significantly. This growth would not only boost the rice industry but will also help strengthen the country's economy. Rice export revenue can be reinvested in a variety of areas, thus promoting development and prosperity.

Credit: INP-WealthPk