Four months after imposing restrictions on Indian exports of sesame seeds and groundnut, Russia has decided to lift the ban. This follows after the Indian government's assurances on quality on these commodities.
According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the restrictions had been lifted with the condition that sesame seeds and groundnut exported should carry the quality and safety certification issued by the Delhi-based Sri Ram Institute for Industrial Research or any other agency as may be notified from time to time.
Russia had slapped curbs on Indian exports some months ago. ''This had already come into effect from September 17. However, fresh restrictions on export of these commodities could be imposed from January 15, 2008 in case of failure to comply with the quality requirements and assurances,'' a statement from APEDA said.
Each consignment should carry a phytosanitary certificate, the statement said, adding the certification would test for pesticide residues and give a report on the residue analysis
Groundnut is the major oilseed of India. It accounts for around 25per cent of the total oilseed production of the country. Annual production of seed and oil are around 5-8 and 1.5 million tons respectively.
India is the largest producer of sesame seed in the world accounting for 30 per cent of the world output. It is an important kharif crop mainly cultivated in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kamataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa and Punjab.
