Bahawalnagar – The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organised a seminar on the “Management of Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) and Aflatoxin in Rice” at Bahawalnagar on Tuesday, as part of a series of initiatives to enhance rice quality and boost exports. The event drew participation from provincial extension department representatives, local growers, farmers from the Bahawalnagar area, and experts from research institutes. The focus was on practical strategies to reduce MRL and aflatoxin levels in rice crops, particularly in the wake of recent floods that have exacerbated humidity and fungal risks in the region.
TDAP’s efforts underscore its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s rice sector, which ranks fourth globally in exports. Dr Mubarik Ahmed, Consultant (Agro) at TDAP, delivered a key presentation highlighting major food safety challenges, including aflatoxin contamination in rice due to high humidity and temperatures post-floods. He emphasised pre and post-harvest management practices, such as harvesting mature crops, immediate drying to below 13.5 percent moisture, and proper storage in ventilated facilities to prevent fungal growth from Aspergillus species. Dr Ahmed noted that noncompliance with EU standards led to 35 alerts on Pakistani rice in 2025 , including 18 for pesticide residues and 15 for aflatoxins, potentially causing market access losses and economic impacts. Dr Amer Rasul, Director General of Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides, Agriculture Department, Lahore, presented on the “Pesticide Residue and Aflatoxin Management Plan in Rice.” He outlined integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including judicious pesticide use, adherence to Pre-Harvest Intervals (PHI) ranging from 3-40 days for registered insecticides, and avoiding prohibited chemicals like chlorpyrifos and acetamiprid. Dr Rasul shared pest surveillance data from the third week of September 2025, showing low incidences of pests like stem borers, but stressed the need for cultural practices amid flood-affected areas in Bahawalnagar, where over 524 acres were partially or fully impacted, affecting rice alongside other crops.
Dr Ashfaq, Director of Agriculture (Extension), discussed “Nutrition Management and Government Initiatives” advocating balanced fertiliser use to reduce disease susceptibility. Representatives from the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) addressed “Export Challenges”, while Dr Muhammad Ijaz from the Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku, covered “Rice Production Technology”, recommending disease-resistant varieties and seed treatments. The Deputy Director of the Department of Plant Protection presented on “Procedural Requirements to Comply with MRL and Aflatoxin in Rice”, aligning with IPPC standards and WTO-SPS measures. In light of recent floods in Bahawalnagar, which affected villages across tehsils like Bahawalnagar (524 acres total), Chishtian (144 acres), and Minchinabad (127 acres), speakers urged farmers to adopt flood-resilient practices such as alternate wetting and drying, removal of plant debris, and rapid moisture testing to curb aflatoxin spikes in humid conditions.
Mr Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director General (Agro) at TDAP, urged growers to maintain Pakistan’s share in the EU market, especially over the last two years, during which Pakistan has held the top share in basmati exports to the EU. However, this position is gradually being eroded by competitors due to non-compliance with food safety standards and other supply-side issues. He also informed participants that TDAP is planning rice road shows in the EU and Middle East markets to promote Pakistani rice and strengthen export opportunities.
TDAP highlighted its proactive role in organizing this seminar series across Punjab’s rice-growing areas, including upcoming events in Multan (September 24), Sheikhupura (September 29), Sialkot (October 1), and Gujranwala (October 2). “TDAP is dedicated to empowering farmers with knowledge and tools to meet international standards, ensuring sustainable exports and minimising economic losses from noncompliance,” said Athar Hussain Khokhar.
