Strengthening Phytosanitary Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Indian Agricultural Exports
GS3
The Central Warehousing Corporation has highlighted critical gaps in phytosanitary certification processes at ports, advocating for integrated logistics to curb export rejections and enhance global competitiveness.
India’s ambition to become a global agricultural powerhouse faces a significant bottleneck: the integrity and efficiency of its phytosanitary certification regime. Recent observations by the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) have brought to light systemic malpractices in the certification process at various ports, which directly contribute to the rejection of Indian agricultural consignments in international markets. These rejections not only result in substantial financial losses for farmers and exporters but also damage the 'Brand India' image in the global food supply chain.
Phytosanitary certification is a mandatory requirement under the WTO’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures. It serves as a guarantee that agricultural products are free from pests and diseases. When these certifications are compromised due to procedural lapses or lack of technical oversight, the entire export ecosystem suffers. The CWC’s proposal to shift toward integrated logistics is a timely intervention. By creating a seamless, technology-driven supply chain—from farm-gate storage to port-side clearance—India can ensure better traceability and compliance.
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