Question : IMPORT OF GREEN FROZEN PEAS

(a) whether a large quantity of green frozen peas was imported from China without quarantine clearance for pests and weeds;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether such peas are being sold in the country;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor and the action taken by the Government in this regard;and

(e) the corrective measures proposed to be taken to ensure that such agricultural commodities are not imported into the country without conducting pest risk analysis?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) to (d): A few consignments of frozen green peas imported from China were referred to plant quarantine authorities by custom authorities for inspection at Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Trust, Mumbai. After inspection the quarantine officials concluded that risk of Ditylenchus Dipsaci, which is a quarantine pest for India, is not mitigated. The consignments referred to plant quarantine authority for inspection were ordered to be deported for violation of the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003.

(e): Import of any agricultural commodity is permitted into India only after conducting Pest Risk Analysis (PRA). In view of the unauthorized import of frozen green peas from China to India the matter has been taken up with the National Plant Protection Organisation of China for not exporting frozen green peas without seeking market access and Pest Risk Analysis specifying risk mitigation measures.