ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ) : In a significant step towards environmental sustainability and compliance with international agreements, the Ministry of National Food Security & Research (MNFS&R) has announced a landmark decision to curtail the excessive use of Methyl Bromide (MB) on imported shipments. This decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Mr. Waseem Ajmal Chaudhary, Secretary MNFS&R, where key stakeholders and experts engaged in an in-depth discussion on the increasing reliance on MB and its implications. The meeting aimed to ensure Pakistan’s adherence to the Montreal Protocol, which restricts the use of MB except for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes where no viable alternatives exist.
Methyl Bromide usage in Pakistan has surged in recent years, particularly in imported commodities such as lentils, canola, soybeans, betel nuts, and cotton. Experts at the meeting expressed deep concerns regarding its environmental and health impacts, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory intervention. It was decided that phytosanitary treatment should be conducted at the country of export to minimize the use of MB upon arrival. The practice of double fumigation will also be discouraged, reducing costs for importers and preventing unnecessary exposure to harmful chemicals.
In addition to addressing the excessive use of Methyl Bromide, the Ministry has also taken decisive action against hazardous pesticides that pose serious risks to human health, biodiversity, and agricultural sustainability. During the meeting, it was reaffirmed that twelve highly toxic pesticides, which have been widely used in Pakistan despite their known dangers, will be completely banned. These pesticides, previously used for pest control in major crops such as wheat, cotton, rice, and vegetables, have been linked to severe environmental degradation, contamination of water sources, and adverse health effects among farmers and consumers. Their continued use has been a source of concern for both local experts and international regulatory bodies.
The government’s decision to phase out these pesticides aligns with global best practices and international commitments to sustainable agriculture. The Technical Committee of Scientists will play a crucial role in reviewing and updating regulations to ensure that safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives are adopted. By implementing these reforms, Pakistan aims to not only protect public health and the environment but also enhance its agricultural sector’s competitiveness in international markets, where compliance with stringent safety and quality standards is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for trade.
These measures are expected to reduce the cost of doing business, eliminate rent-seeking practices, and modernize Pakistan’s agricultural import policies while reinforcing the country’s commitment to global environmental agreements. The Ministry of National Food Security & Research remains dedicated to facilitating trade in a manner that prioritizes sustainability, public health, and compliance with international obligations.
