Temporary move: Russia lifts ban on kinnow imports

The Russian government imposed the ban on Pakistani agriculture imports a couple of months ago over concerns of fruit and vegetable diseases. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: 

Russia – one of the biggest markets for Pakistani kinnow – temporarily lifted the ban from Pakistani Kinnow imports for this season, fruit exporters said.

The Russian government imposed the ban on Pakistani agriculture imports a couple of months ago over concerns of fruit and vegetable diseases. The removal of the ban is the result of an extensive talk between the two governments. Nevertheless, the restriction on import of potato from Pakistan would remain intact until the phyto-sanitary issues are resolved.

The Russian team will visit Pakistan in January 2014 to inspect the facilities and quarantine methods and practices. The team will see safety measures in place for diseases in the country. Exporters say Pakistan may lose the major market if Russian market is not open this season.