The presence of Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) in rice has caused Pakistan significant losses in exports.
The beetle, one of the world’s most invasive species, is difficult to control because it can survive without food for long periods and is resistant to many insecticides.
From 2011 to 2014, Pakistani rice exports were rejected by several of its trading partners including the US and Mexico, due to the beetle larvae infestation. Early this year, a shipment of rice to Russia was also rejected for the same reason. As a result, the country’s rice export declined from $2.2 billion in 2014 to $2.1 billion in 2018.
Pakistan is currently looking to develop a Khapra beetle-free rice supply chain through system approaches and natural factors.
Read the full story at The Express Tribune.
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