The Indian government has recently introduced specific phytosanitary requirements for the import of lentils from Russia to ensure the safety and health of its agricultural ecosystem. The Plant Protection Cell of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has informed Russian authorities about the conditions that must be met before lentil shipments can enter India.

Here are the key conditions outlined for lentil imports:

1. Phytosanitary Certificate Requirements: The phytosanitary certificate issued by Russian authorities must include a separate declaration confirming that the consignment is free from certain pests and diseases, including:

   • Lepidion trava (Haori cress)
   • Bromus sterilii (Barren broom)
   • Ditylenchus dispasii (stem and bulb nematode)

2. Fumigation and Treatment: The imported lentils must undergo fumigation to eliminate any potential pests or diseases. The following treatments are specified:

   • The lentils must be fumigated with phosphine gas (with a minimum concentration of pH 3) for 7 days. Alternatively, methyl bromide fumigation is also acceptable.

3. Free from Contaminants: The consignment should be free from:

   • Quarantine weeds
   • Soil or other plant residues or admixtures

4. Documentation: The details of the fumigation treatments (e.g., type of fumigant used, duration, etc.) must be clearly stated in the phytosanitary certificate.

India imports lentils from Russia, as well as other countries like Australia and Canada. These new conditions aim to ensure the safety of India's agricultural sector by preventing the introduction of harmful pests or diseases that could potentially affect local crops.