India sets sights on more countries for mango exports

In order to boost mango exports abroad, India is negotiating with different countries including Aust…

In order to boost mango exports abroad, India is negotiating with different countries including Australia and South Africa. Although some varieties of mangoes from northern India are already being exported to Australia, authorities are considering exporting other varieties as well, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

A delegation from Australia visited India in June "to verify and certify three irradiation facilities for export of irradiated mangoes from the western and southern parts of India," she said.

Approval for certification of these facilities is under process.

With South Africa also, the market access efforts are continuing, she said adding that in the case of South Korea, market access was granted in June.

South Korean Quarantine Inspector arrived in India on June 11 for on-site pre-clearance programme at VHT ( Vapour Heat Treatment) facility at Saharanpur for export of mangoes to South Korea, she added.
Similarly for grape exports, the finalisation of import risk analysis is awaited from the US.

“In the case of Japan and Vietnam, the import risk analysis with post-harvest mitigation measures is yet to be finalised by them. The matter is being pursued through the Indian Embassies in the respective countries,” the minister said.

To get access into Chinese market, India has already submitted a priority list for market access of five fruits and vegetables to AQSIQ, China.
“Out of five products submitted in the priority list, the finalisation of protocol for okra is in the final stage and is pending with AQSIQ, China,” she said.

India’s export of agri and allied products during April- February 2016 declined to Rs 1.43 lakh crore from Rs 1.68 lakh crore in the same period previous year.

“The primary reasons for decline are low commodity prices in the international market, shrinking of global demand, high domestic prices as compared to the international prices, which has made our exports uncompetitive, unfavourable currency rate movements as compared to the competing countries,” she said.