Russia bans Indian rice on pest find

Russia on Tuesday banned imports of rice, groundnut and sesame seeds from India after finding pests in some consignments, even as New Delhi sought time till November saying the new crop would be free from the problem.

"The actual ban was in force from May 1, but imports were allowed on the basis of earlier issued certificates. Now a complete ban has come into force as Indian authorities have failed to take proper (quality) control measures," Interfax reported, quoting agriculture watchdog 'Rosselkhoznadzor'.

The ban applies on rice, groundnuts and sesame seeds originating from India, implying that the products cannot be shipped into Russia even from a third country.

Moscow had earlier claimed to have found several consignments of Indian rice, groundnuts and sesame seeds contaminated with pests.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson said in New Delhi that government had taken up the issue with Russia, while maintaining that Indian agri products conform to international sanitary and phyto-sanitary norms.

"We have told them not to impose ban till November 2007 by which time the new crop will be ready. In the meantime, they are free to visit our laboratories and fields," he said. India exports 50,000 tonnes of basmati and non-basmati rice of its total exports of four million tonnes.

In January, Russia had intercepted 54 tonnes of Indian groundnut infested with pests dangerous for grain crops.