Russia suspends imports of Indian plant products

Moscow, Jan 23 (UNI) Russia has suspended imports of plant products from India starting January 28.

''Restrictions will also apply to plant products from third countries which were supplied under phytosanitary certificates issued by India's national plant protection organization,'' Itar-Tass news agency reported quoting Alexei Alexeyenko, the spokesman for Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosantiary Supervision.

''Russia adopted restricting measures because 'inspectors at a border checkpoint in Novorossiisk found Khapra beetle in a batch of Indian beniseed','' he said.

It is one of the most dangerous grain pests, he said, adding ''on the whole, this case questions the effectiveness of the phytosanitary certification, as well as control and safety of plant products in India.'' Last year, Russia placed similar restrictions on Indian plant products imports.

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