Mumbai: Russia may impose a ban on the import of rice, sesame and groundnut from India following the seizure of several shipments of Indian food products containing banned pesticides and other contaminants. Unless the government takes corrective measures, India''s agriculture produce exports to Russia may permanently be stalled.

Russia''s agriculture watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said it had seized several shipments of Indian rice, sesame and groundnut after finding banned pesticide, contaminants and insecticides in the products.

The agency now wants India to provide safety certificates on its food exports, detailing the use of pesticides and other specifics.

"If India fails to comply with the requirement, Rosselkhoznadzor will impose restrictions starting May 1, until measures are taken to guarantee compliance with Russian food safety standards," the agency said in a release.

Russia had earlier banned import of rice and other agriculture products from Pakistan, after a dangerous bug was found in the shipments from that country.