OKARA: With maize exports facing decline last year due to presence of pests in the crop, the country may lose its exports to Vietnam and Malaysia.

The Agro and Food Division ( AFD) of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in collaboration with the Okara Potato, Vegetable & Fruit Growers Co-operative Society organised a rare seminar on `Improving Maize Export Quality Through Control ofKhapra Beetle and Aflatoxin pests` here on Wednesday.

The TDAP has chalked out SOPs for maize export to Vietnam, Malaysia and some other countries.

The seminar attracted a broad range of stakeholders including representatives from the Department of Plant Protection, the Maize & Millets Research Institute, Sahiwal, Agri Extension, the Pest Warning & Quality Control of Pesticides, as well as trade missions from Vietnam and Malaysia.

AFD Director GeneralAthar Hussain Khokhar emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to overcome the challenges affecting maize exports through improving quality and trade structure.

Participants were told China had shown positive signs to import maize from Pakistan.

This followed technical presentations that offered valuable insights to stakeholders.

Dr Mubarik Ahmad, consultant to TDAP (AFD), delivered a detailed overview on the management of aflatoxin contamination and con-trol of Khapra beetle in maize production, addressing major exportrelated challenges and their mitigation strategies.

Other speakers include Ms. Faiza Shafgat, Trade & Investment Attaché in Vietnam, Dr Khalid Zafar, Entomologist from the Department of Plant Protection, and Dr. Amir Rasool, DG Pest Warning & Quality Control of Pesticides, offered expert guidance to growers on effective pest management strategies and measures to reduce aflatoxin contamination.