DOHA: The Ministry of Environment, which boasts an Agricultural Affairs Department, is gearing up to enforce a GCC decision that seeks to curb the entry of destructive agricultural pests into member countries.
The collective decision of the GCC states specifies a hefty fine of up to QR50,000 on the entry of destructive agricultural pests and its spread in the country.
“The Ministry will implement a GCC decision that imposes fines of $2,700 to $13,000 (some QR50,000) on the violators of some provisions of the quarantine law, especially the Article that bans the entry of destructive agricultural pests,” said Yusuf Al Khulaifi, Head of Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry.
“The decision is issued as part of moves made by the GCC states to help preserve their natural and agricultural resources,” said Al Khulaifi.
The GCC countries plan to hold several meetings to develop a law and regulations related to quarantine, Al Sharq reports.
In keeping with regulations of quarantine in GCC states, an inspector has the right to stop a container or a vehicle suspected of carrying destructive pests.
In this case, the inspector would not need any permission from the Public Prosecution or any other authority. He can check a consignment and confiscate it, if needed.
He can seize any plant, vegetable/s, soil or any other material that might be affected or is suspected of being affected by pests.
The inspector will register a violation against the owner of the seized or confiscated consignment and an official report will also be furnished to the authority concerned within a time specified by the regulations.
The inspector, with the permission of the authority concerned, can issue an order to destroy the seized consignment.
The Peninsula
