By Our Correspondent

KARACHI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with the Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides Wing of Punjab’s Agriculture Department, held a seminar in Okara on aflatoxin management and maximum residue limits (MRLs) for rice on Tuesday.

The seminar brought together about 140 farmers, rice growers, exporters, millers and agriculture extension officers to discuss food-safety requirements for rice exports and measures to reduce the risk of shipment rejections in international markets.

Experts from Punjab’s Agriculture Department, the Rice Research Institute in Bahawalnagar, the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) and TDAP’s consultant discussed aflatoxin control, pesticide use and compliance with residue limits set by importing countries.

Speakers stressed the importance of proper post-harvest practices, including adequate drying, safe storage and appropriate handling, to reduce aflatoxin contamination. They also called for more careful use of pesticides to ensure rice consignments remain within permissible residue limits.

The seminar also covered traceability, certification and quality-assurance systems, which participants said were becoming increasingly important for access to international markets.The event is the second in a series of awareness sessions planned across Punjab’s major rice-growing districts as authorities seek to improve quality controls across the rice supply chain.

Participants also discussed production, quality-management and export-compliance challenges with technical specialists during the session.

Published Date: September 9, 2026