Pakistan, April 22 -- Authorities in Islamabad's agriculture quarters must take recent concerns raised by Russia regarding a shipment of rice seriously. Though the complaint from Russia regarding violations of phytosanitary protocols is an isolated incident, if not addressed, it can be exploited by rival India. Pakistan's rice industry is a cornerstone of our agricultural sector, and we must be aware of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety for our exports.

From time to time, our policymakers issue vows to increase our exports and if an important country like Russia is lost, it will be a major dent in our struggling economy, and local farming sector. Moscow has imposed similar bans in the past and it i...