HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development suspended peanut imports from India after detecting the Caryedon Serratus Olivier insect in some shipments.

The official suspension became valid on February 6. The insect, found in groundnuts, can cause serious damage to plants. It has not been found in Viet Nam.

Earlier in January, Vu Van Huong, director of the Department of Plant Quarantine I, said his staff found nearly 700 tonnes of peanuts with live serratus insects at Hai Phong Port.

The Ministry promptly asked the Plant Protection Department to more closely supervise peanut imports.

Relevant Indian agencies have been informed and asked to address the problem as soon as possible.

The Plant Protection Department held several examinations and confirmed solutions proffered by the Indian exporter. — VNS