NIBGE organises Basmati DNA workshop

National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) organised a workshop to highlight the need of Basmati DNA testing and up-gradation of the facility to regulate certification process in line with international standards. One-day workshop discussed issues related to importance of rice trade in Pakistan, successful development and implementation of national plans of action and policies to achieve rice export targets and facilities available in public sector institutions to meet various WTO standards, says a spokesman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) here on Thursday.
Dr Yusuf Zafar, Director General, Agriculture and Biotechnology, PAEC, highlighted the potential issues of Super Basmati exports to European Union. He stated that FSA (UK) has made DNA testing mandatory since 2003. He discussed about certification authorities, i.e. ISO, WTO, CBD, and NSA, and rules formulated for across the border trades. NIBGE in collaboration of REAP and TDAP has established DNA testing facilities to benefit rice exporters in order to comply with rules and regulation of international market, especially European Union, which allows very low (7%) admixture level in Super Basmati labeled products, he added. He highlighted the need to take serious measures for food authenticity and traceability standards in Pakistan to meet challenge of global trade and universalisation.
Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Javed Islam Agha highlighted major rice industry achievements like better export policies for rice trade, Upgraded DNA certification facilities to check adulteration in Super Basmati products, and brand trust in international market. He greatly appreciated the role of NIBGE in provision of high standards testing services at very cheap price. He also discussed major challenges faced by rice industry that includes high market price, strong competitors, degradation of product quality and quantity over time, demand of mandatory GMO detection and toxins (Aflotoxin, Mycotoxin) testing in rice. He suggested to up-grade facilities in Pakistan according to international requirements and jointly working on all forums to overcome these problems. He assured his support in all research programs.
Dr Muhammad Arif, Principal Scientist and In charge of Basmati DNA testing lab, in his talk highlighted importance of purity testing involving certification for customers, international rice trade and to qualify for zero import duty. He described major facilities available at NIBGE for certification of Basmati Rice and their up-gradation through genetic analyzer (Beckman Coulter CEQ 8000). This facility will allow accurate and high-precision sizing of the amplified fragments and will help to detect very low admixture level.