Russia has resumed rice imports from India by lifting a ban which was imposed in May this year, following alleged detection of pesticides in Indian rice and pests and harmful fungus in groundnut and sesame seeds.

The ban was lifted after importers agreed to issue quarantine certificates for Indian rice after signing a protocol with the Indian authorities providing for a system that ensures health safety of rice exported to Russia.

India is the third largest supplier of rice to Russia. Russia consumes 650,000 MT of rice a year, with 350,000 MT imported. India supplied in 2006 48,000 MT of rice to Russia, 14.2% of Russia's total rice import.