The Hindu Business Line : Garlic imports from China stopped on fungal infection

Agri-Biz & Commodities - Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables
Government - Agricultural Policy
Industry & Economy - Health

Garlic imports from China stopped on fungal infection

Our Bureau

Chennai , Sept. 14

THE Union Agriculture Ministry has stopped imports of garlic from China following detection of fungal infection in imported garlic consignments.

In a notification dated September 6, the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has said permission to import garlic from China has been withheld with immediate effect.

According to officials in the know, several consignments of garlic imported from China were found infected with fungal diseases. These types of fungi are not found in India and should be prevented from spreading here. If allowed into the country, these could spread to the local varieties and cause damage. Apart from garlic, they might even infect onion, a close relative of garlic. Botanically both come under the genus `Allium,' the officials pointed out.

According to the sources, quarantine authorities in Chennai have repeatedly intercepted since April several consignments of garlic from China, which were infected with the fungal disease, Garlic Bulb Canker, caused by a pathogenic fungus, `Embellisia allii.'

Also, consignments imported into Mumbai were found infected with smut, an infection caused by the fungus, `Urocystis cepulae.'

These fungi are of quarantine concern as neither of them is naturally found in India. If allowed, they could spread uncontrollably and affect the domestic and international trade in these crops. India produces over 4 lakh tonnes of garlic, according to industry estimates.

According to the authorities, the fungus causing the Canker is not even on their books and there is no information available except in international scientific literature. It was detected while screening for smut disease, which is mentioned in quarantine regulations.

The authorities concerned have alerted all quarantine stations and Customs authorities at the ports. Several consignments are stuck at the Mumbai Port and in Chennai, over 20 containers each with 14 tonnes of garlic have been stopped. These should either be sent back or destroyed. The importers had been informed, the officials said.

Now, the quarantine authorities have to carry out a detailed Pest Risk Analysis. This will also mean that the Chinese authorities have to share information with Indian scientists since these types of fungi are not known in India. The authorities concerned had notified their counterpart in China to take action, they said.

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

Stories in this Section
AP fishermen's concern over threat to livelihood

Garlic imports from China stopped on fungal infection

Phenomenal rise

Onion exports down to a trickle on higher domestic prices

Rubber prices rule steady

Centre announces Rs 525-cr package for coop sugar units

Kothari Sugars settles dues to lenders

Financial package for co-ops soon

Campco refutes allegations of irregularities

Chidambaram expects farm output to rise