Methyl bromide fumigation key to quarantine safety of Agri products

ISLAMABAD, June 09 (EPI): Agriculture experts highlighted importance of Methyl Bromide (MeBr) fumigation saying it was a vital element and guaranteed treatment for all imported agricultural products to prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases.

They said that as a powerful fumigant, MeBr protects commodities like grains, fruits, and wood, eliminating harmful insects, larvae, and eggs that may threaten local ecosystems in the country.

“This treatment is mandated under international phytosanitary regulations to ensure bio-security and protect domestic agriculture from contamination. Without MeBr fumigation, countries risk introducing foreign pests that could devastate crops, cause economic losses, and disrupt food supply chains,” they stated.

It should be avoided by quarantine lapses in the rice, sesame and corn export sectors.
As per information, major trading partners of the country for these agri products are Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, USA, Russia, Thailand, Korea, and Mexico and they strictly enforce phytosanitary import conditions that require effective quarantine treatments like methyl bromide fumigation.

Moreover, neighboring countries with similar or superior agricultural profiles continue to rely on methyl bromide fumigation in compliance with international standards.

India, Thailand, the Philippines, and Bangladesh carefully apply MeBr to disinfest agricultural commodities, recognizing that alternatives such as heat treatment, controlled atmosphere, or irradiation remain largely infeasible or unapproved by IPPC for broad-spectrum use.

Afghanistan — often cited as less resourced — continues to mandate methyl bromide fumigation for agricultural imports.
Ends-Exact Press International