Muhammad Luqman

In a decisive move to safeguard the international reputation and quality of Pakistan’s prized basmati and non-basmati rice, the Punjab government has imposed a ban on the sale, distribution, and use of 13 specific insecticides on paddy crops.

According to plant protection experts, increasing rejections of Pakistani rice shipments by European countries and the United States have necessitated the discontinuation of agrochemicals that leave harmful residues in the rice, even after harvesting, shelling, and polishing.

The banned pesticides include: Chlorpyrifos, Acephate, Buprofezin, Hexaconazole, Methyl Bromide, Carbendazim, Carbofuran, Methamidophos, Phorate, Imidacloprid, Monocrotophos, and Triazophos.

“These chemicals were causing serious harm to the environment, polluting water sources, and posing health risks to farmers and consumers. The ban will also help Pakistan meet international safety standards for pesticide residues in food,” said Dr Arshad Makhdoom Sabir, Chief Scientist at the Entomological Research Institute (ERI), Faisalabad.

Talking to WealthPK, he noted that many of these pesticides are also banned or strictly regulated in major rice-importing countries such as the EU, USA, and Japan due to their toxicity and environmental persistence.

“Chlorpyrifos and Carbofuran, for instance, have been banned in over 50 countries for their harmful effects on human health and pollinators like honeybees,” he explained. Dr Sabir emphasised that growing global awareness about pesticide safety has pushed Pakistan to align with international standards to ensure its rice exports remain competitive in premium markets.

To replace the banned pesticides, he recommended the adoption of safer alternatives, including biological controls and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. “These involve using natural predators, crop rotation, and pest-resistant rice varieties.”

Pakistani rice exporters have welcomed the move, calling it a prudent step to prevent future rejections of rice shipments in markets such as the EU and the US. “This should not be a knee-jerk reaction. The ban must remain in place permanently to avoid recurring issues,” said Taufiq Ahmad Khan, former senior vice-chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).

Talking to WealthPK, he stressed that exporters should not suffer the consequences of pesticide misuse, urging the Punjab Agriculture Department and Plant Protection Department to consistently educate and guide farmers toward safer pest control practices.

He noted that the incidence of rice shipment rejections has already declined over the past year, largely due to collaborative efforts between exporters and the plant protection authorities. However, he added that Pakistan’s rice exports fell during the last fiscal year, primarily due to a decline in international market prices.

In fiscal year 2024–25, Pakistan’s total rice exports stood at 5.8 million metric tons (MMT), representing a 3.7% decline from 6 MMT in the previous year. Export revenue dropped by 14.7%, falling to $3.36 billion, down from $3.93 billion in FY24. Taufiq expressed optimism that the sustained implementation of environment-friendly policies —both by the government and farmers — will enhance the global acceptance and competitiveness of Pakistani rice.

He hoped that the use of environmentally friendly pesticides on paddy crop would help make such a rice produce available in the domestic market that is not injurious to human health. “The health of Pakistani people is as important as that of overseas buyers of Pakistani rice,” Taufiq Ahmad said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk