Substandard and improper fumigation is causing problems for small and medium sized rice exporters. Most of the fumigation materials available in market are reported to be counterfeited and of very inferior quality which are badly affecting the rice export cargo. The issue is causing serious concerns specially for small and medium sized rice exporters who constitute the majority of rice exporters in Pakistan and hence they deserve special and immediate attention.

President, Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (Unisame) Zulfikar Thaver expressed this concern in a letter written to Acting Vice Chairman, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap), Dr Abdul Rahim.

He drew the attention of the vice chairman Reap that all the exportable rice needed proper fumigation, polishing and processing but the fumigation material available in market was not of required standard. He alleged the fumigation companies for not having the material tested from time to time to ensure its quality.

In this backdrop, he requested him to compel these companies to conduct regular inspection and testing of their fumigation medicines. He also emphasised the need of making inspections of these medicines by concerned authorities mandatory.

He advised vice chairman that the fumigation companies should get the medicines pre-checked or get it done by Reap. He further requested Reap to warn these fumigation companies to carry out proper fumigation of cargo with full dose and quality medicines.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005