Russia suspends import of Indian plant products

MOSCOW: Russia will suspend import of plant products from India from January 28 after apparently finding one of the most dangerous grain pest in a batch of Indian beniseed.

"Restrictions will also apply to plant products from third countries which were supplied under phytosanitary certificates issued by India's national plant protection organisation," Rosselkhoznadzor Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosantiary Supervision spokesman Alexei Alexeyenko said.

Russia adopted restricting measures because "inspectors at a border checkpoint in Novorossiisk found Khapra beetle in a batch of Indian beniseed." It is one of the most dangerous grain pests, the spokesman was quoted as saying by Itar-Tass news agency.

Beniseed is a common oil seed. "On the whole, this case questions the effectiveness of the phytosanitary certification, as well as control and safety of plant products in India," Alexeyenko said.

Last year, Russia placed similar restrictions on Indian plant products imports.