There is relief for rice farmers as the Russian government agreed to lift a ban on import of rice, peanut and sesame seed from India.

Indian exporters are awaiting a formal announcement next week. The Russian government had banned imports of these commodities with effect from May 1, 2007 due to the alleged detection of pesticides in the rice consignment and contained Aflatoxin B1 and metal foreign matter in the Indian peanut and sesame seed.

Indian Oilseeds & Produce Exporters Association office-bearers said the Russian officials have given assurance in this regard to the association.

An Indian delegation had visited Moscow to sort out the issue and the Russian government had assured all possible help in this regard, officials said.

As a part of discussions, Russian agency VPSS will visit India next month. They will inspect two-three laboratories and likely to visit a Delhi-based laboratory.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority and the Russian agency -- Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Services -- have signed a protocol on export of rice.

The major points of protocol are: what kind of pesticides India is using in rice cultivation, inspection of Indian laboratories and to increase co-operation and support for promotion of trade between two countries.