Efforts stepped up to stop imports of unhealthy food items

KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): Efforts had been accelerated to stop the imports of uncertified food items from illegal smuggling routes in southern Kandahar province, an official said on Saturday.

Earlier, Pajhwok Afghan News had published a report regarding the import of some food item through illegal routes with no phytosanitary certificate.

Kandahar governor took notice of the report and directed concerned authorities stop imports of food item to Kandahar without phytosanitary certificate.

Zabihllah Zyarmal, agriculture.

Officials properly check the imported food item’s certificates and then forward them for tariff.

Some food items and even drugs were being smuggled from illegal routes without phytosanitary certificate for which security forces have intensified their efforts to stop them.

Zyarmal said work on high quality and modern food laboratory in Spin Boldak was about to complete with the support of the World Bank.

Professional individuals had been trained for the laboratory and it had been promised that the facility would be made functional this year.

Daily 250 trucks of food items, fruits, vegetable, human and livestock medicines and other materials have been imported from Pakistan to Afghanistan.

Kandahar Custom Department Director Mohammad Akbar said some steps had been taken with the help of security forces to stop the imported of food items by smuggling routes.

He said the steps would help stop smuggling and surge in the revenue of Kandahar custom office.

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