The Hindu Business Line : Mango export to US this year likely

`Fruit'ful info
India accounts for nearly half of the global production.
But the country is only the third largest exporter.
Mangoes make up 15 per cent of the total fresh fruits exports.

New Delhi , March 9

During his visit to India last week, the US President, Mr George Bush, said he was looking forward to eating Indian mangoes. Taking advantage of this statement, the Centre is trying to export mangoes to Washington this year itself.

"There are a few hurdles to clear in exporting mangoes. One is particularly irradiation, which the US officials are demanding and we are working on it. They will have to come here and clear that. However, since Mr Bush has made the statement, we will try and drive home the advantage to export our mangoes to the US," official sources said.

FDA norms

According to the sources, the US prefers irradiation to get rid of weevils and fruit fly problems in mangoes instead of the vapour heat treatment (VHT). "The US authorities prefer irradiation to VHT," they said.

"We have to make use of this opportunity to speed up the process. Or else, it will take one-and-a-half years for the entire process to be gone through," the sources said.

The US had been stalling Indian mangoes import to its market on the grounds that New Delhi will have to comply with the Food and Drug Authorities norms.

Also, the US had wanted India to comply with regulations with regard to pesticides and preservatives.

India, actually, regards this as a non-tariff barrier imposed by the US on grounds of sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures. However, the issues have been discussed during Mr Bush's visit here and the US has, in principle, agreed to permit Indian mangoes.

Export prospects

India sees a good potential for its mangoes in the US, while Washington's gesture will also help to gain a foothold in nearby markets of Canada and Latin America.

The sources said the issue of Australia allowing Indian mangoes was in the final stages.

"There has been good progress on this. Australian officials are to come here and see for themselves the effectiveness of VHT. Also, they could be visiting a couple of farms. Once this is completed, we can gain access," they said.

The situation is similar with Japan also.

"In the case of Japan, things are in an advanced stage. They have cut the mangoes and ensured that there are no fruit fly. Their officials will be visiting some farms before giving the final go-ahead," they said.

In China, where India has begun to export mangoes, commercial sale will commence on full-scale this year.

"As regards China, all hurdles have been cleared. Commercial sale will begin this year. We have had good response to our exhibitions and sales promos last year," the sources said.

India is the biggest mango producer in the world accounting for nearly half of the global production but it is only the third largest exporter.

Mango makes up 15 per cent of the total fresh fruits export from the country.

During 2004-05, fresh fruits export totalled $181.12 million against $172 million the previous year.

In the current fiscal, fresh fruits exports up to November totalled $130.25 million against $112.30 during the same period a year ago.

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