RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Director General Department of Plant Protection (DPP) Dr Falak Naaz has laid emphasis on following international standards to increase export of agriculture.

“It is necessary to follow international standards,” he said, speaking at a meeting of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI). He reiterated that the DPP issues certification regarding health and safety of agricultural products for import and export. He said that food security standards had become strict internationally. He said there were certain level of quantity of pesticide and heavy metal particle in fruits and food products.

“Fruits and crop exporters should follow the directions of DPP to align their quality with international standards,” he urged. KATI president Danish Khan said that Pakistan is an agricultural country and exports of this sector should be enhanced. He said there is need to spread awareness among common people about international standards for food security; and especially producers and exporters should be well aware of those standards. The CEO of KITE Zubair Chhaya called for a proper liaison between the department (DPP) and the trading community.

Head of KATI’s standing committee on industrial pest management, Salman Ahmed Sabari said that food item importers were facing delay and other problems due to procedural hurdles which could be set aside with proper coordination.