Sesame exports to Russia set to jump

Currently, Russia allows only Delhi-based Shriram Institute for Industrial Research to issue quality certificates to exporters after inspecting the sesame seed consignments.  With transporting consignments physically to the institute from the major producing centres like Gujarat and Maharashtra for inspection and certification proving a herculean task, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), among others, insisted Russian authorities to allow other laboratories to issue phytosanitary certificates.  Due to the single window certification, exports to Russia declined dramatically to 1,873 tonnes in the period between April 2007-Feb 2008 as compared with 4,512 tonnes in the corresponding period last year.  The opening up of seven more laboratories is significant as Indian exporters were exploring other possible export destinations for sesame seed, which is in great demand abroad. India's total exports of sesame seed (mainly to China, Korea, Taiwan, Australia and Egypt) were 280,731 tonnes between April 2007- February 2008.  "Russian authorities agreed in-principle to grant permission to seven more laboratories late last month when their officials visited the labs to examine phytosanitary certification procedures. However, official communication is yet to be received," said Sanjay Shah, chairman, Indian Oilseeds and Produce Exporters' Association (IOPEA).  S Dave, director, APEDA, said that the decision is likely to come towards June-end or early July.