The Hindu Business Line : Indian mango may soon surmount Chinese wall

INDIAN mangoes may soon become a permanent feature of the Chinese palate. It all now boils down to a clearance from the Chinese Agriculture Ministry officials.

Last month, two Chinese Agriculture Ministry officials visited various parts of the country, where mangoes are grown, treated to eliminate fruit fly and packed.

These officials have filed their reports to the Chinese Government and the clearance is likely anytime, according to official sources. Mangoes are given vapour heat treatment to eliminate fruit fly. The treatment has been approved by countries such as Japan.

When contacted, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) Chairman, Mr K.S. Money, told Business Line that the Chinese authorities seemed to be satisfied with the process to grow and pack mangoes in the country.

"Their indications were positive. We have asked our embassy in Beijing to follow it up," he said.

According to Chinese sources, the Hu Jintao Government welcomes Indian mangoes.

"Many people here remember the mango exhibition held by India last year. Good mangoes from India will have a market," the sources said.

Normally, before allowing the import of an agricultural product, the Chinese Government sends inspectors to the country of origin to check issues of pests and worms before deciding on permission for the commodity's import.

"Lots of new worms and pests have entered China from the European Union and the US and so, China now insists on checking things at the country of origin," the sources said.

According to Indian officials, last year when the mango exhibition was held at Beijing and Shanghai, the authorities faced problems in getting the fruit into China.

"Only because our Prime Minister was visiting that country then, we could get the mangoes in there. Otherwise, we would not have been able to make it," the officials said.

"The Chinese have become very active on quarantine measures. And they have also begun to negotiate for every import they allow," they said.

In the case of mangoes, the Chinese authorities are bargaining with India to allow import one of its agricultural products.

"The Chinese authorities have seen our facilities. Let's hope for the best," the officials said.

Apeda, in particular, concentrated on China and South-East Asia last year. As a result, mango exports increased to Rs 84 crore.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Patchouli movement gaining ground in Siddapur

GPS navigators help fishermen steer clear of cyclone

Indian mango may soon surmount Chinese wall

Rubber market remains stagnant

Tea prices drop at Coonoor sales on lack of demand

Cashew kernel exports decline

RBI mulls blanket approval to cos for commodity hedging