TDAP launches seminar series to tackle maize export challenges

KARACHI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) kicked off a nationwide seminar series on Wednesday aimed at revitalising maize exports by addressing key phytosanitary issues, including Khapra beetle infestations and aflatoxin contamination.

Held at the Okara Potato Vegetable and Fruit Growers Co-operative Society, the event attracted a strong turnout of maize growers, exporters and government representatives. The initiative comes in response to a drop in maize exports, particularly to key Asian markets such as Malaysia and Vietnam, which have raised compliance concerns. Director-General (AFD) of TDAP Karachi Athar Hussain Khokhar stressed the need to align with international safety protocols to regain market access. He noted a 55.7 per cent surge in maize export value to the Philippines and said an export protocol with China was nearing finalisation -- signalling fresh growth opportunities.

“Restoring export credibility starts with compliance,” Khokhar said, adding that lapses in phytosanitary standards had eroded trust in major destinations.Dr Khalid Zafar of the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) outlined certification procedures under the Pakistan Plant Quarantine Rules, 2019, while trade counsellor Faiza Shafqat from Vietnam shared market-specific insights and regulatory trends.

Director at the Maize & Millets Research Institute, Sahiwal Muhammad Saeed recommended fumigation with phosphine and moisture control as key steps in preventing Khapra beetle outbreaks. Consultant at TDAP Dr Mubarik Ahmed presented aflatoxin mitigation strategies, including rapid post-harvest drying and laboratory testing at NIBGE and HEJ. Other speakers, including DPP’s Dr Muhammad Afzal and Punjab’s pest control official Dr Ramzan Asi, called for tighter quality enforcement and infrastructure upgrades, proposing hermetic storage and heat treatment to curb contamination and pest-related rejections. The seminar concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to adopt best practices such as ventilated storage, use of new packaging materials, and integrated pest management (IPM) to secure export-standard maize consignments.

TDAP’s next seminars will take place in Sahiwal on April 24 and Vehari on April 30, as part of its broader strategy to enhance the country’s maize export competitiveness.