The Hindu Business Line : Grapes export to EU rises by 20% despite restrictions

NEW DELHI: India's grapes export to Europe is estimated to have jumped by 20 per cent during this season even though countries like Germany and The Netherlands changed the prescribed minimum residues level (MRL) mid-season.

"About 3,000 containers have been sent to Europe this year compared to 2,500 containers last year," said Mr S Dave, Director of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

As each container carries 15 tons of grapes, the export to EU, which is the main destination for the Indian fruit, in 2007-08 season, is estimated to be around 45,000 tons compared to about 37,500 tons last season.

According to sources, UK changed the MRL in December 2007 and issued further clarification in February this year, while Germany and The Netherlands prescribed the amended limits in March, 2008.

The European Union issued a separate MRL in its update in January. However, Mr Dave said exports were not affected as APEDA also made changes in the MRL after some of the countries changed that.

Farmers in the grapes belt of Maharashtra are of the view that the changes to MRL in the mid-season are made by the developed countries to discourage imports and such changes act as non-tariff barriers.

Grapes are harvested during February-April while whatever pesticides are to be sprayed are used 60-100 days before harvest and therefore it is difficult to conform to amended MRL norms in the middle of the season, an expert said. - PTI

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