Mango exports may jump up to 50 per cent next fiscal: Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh

NEW DELHI: India's mango exports are expected to rise by 40-50 per cent next fiscal following lifting of ban on import by the European Union, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said today.

"The lifting of ban by the European Union will boost mango exports. The country's overall exports are expected to increase by 40-50 per cent next fiscal," Singh told PTI.

The EU yesterday decided to lift a seven-month-long ban on the import of mangoes from India after the world's biggest producer made significant improvements in plant health controls and certification system, clearing the way for them to return to the 28-member bloc by March.

The minister said that the country has put in place a system to trace movement of mango shipment from each state and adoption of best agri-practices, as sought by the EU.

The states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are major exporters of mangoes.

EU is the second largest export destination for mangoes after the UAE.

In 2013-14, India exported mangoes worth USD 8.9 million to EU nations.

Overall, India exported mangoes worth USD 50.7 million in 2013-14 and USD 43.9 million in the first six months of current fiscal. In volume terms, India exported 41,280 tonnes of mangoes in 2013-14, of which 3,381 tonnes were shipped to the EU.

In an official statement, the Agriculture Ministry said that lifting of ban has been widely welcomed by farmers and exporters as well as mango lovers in Europe, particularly in the UK.

The EU ban on import of Indian mangoes, which was imposed in May 2014, led to adverse impact on farmers and exporters in India, it pointed out.

Stating that the ministry took various steps for lifting this ban, the ministry said: "All deficiencies pointed out by the EU were removed by August, 2014".

An Audit Team of the EU visited India in September, 2014. The audit report submitted by this team recognised significant improvements carried out in India in phytosanitary control system.

Elaborating more, the ministry noted that system of inspection and certification of fresh fruits and vegetables destined for the EU market was subjected to a complete overhaul.

Phytosanitary inspectors, exporters, pack house operators, etc. were given intensive training. Senior officials visited pack houses located in all parts of the country to enforce necessary changes in infrastructure and in the procedures adopted for preparation of export consignments.

States, APEDA, exporters and perishable cargo handling facilities at international airports provided full support to the initiative.

The minister had raised India's concern over the ban with representatives from Germany, EU, the Netherlands and UK.