The export of Indian mangoes has been restricted by the US since 2020.
India has secured the approval of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to export homegrown mangoes to the US in the new season, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Consumers in the US would now have access to excellent-quality mangoes from India, the ministry said in its statement.
The export of Indian mangoes has been restricted by the US since 2020. This is because USDA inspectors were unable to visit India for inspection of the irradiation facility.
This was due restrictions imposed on international travel because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Key agreement
Recently, following the 12th India-USA Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting held on November 23, 2021, India’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the USDA signed a framework agreement for implementing the 2-Vs-2 agri-market access issues.
Under the agreement, India and the US would follow joint protocol on irradiation for India’s mango and pomegranate exports to the US.
The same protocol would apply on the import of cherries and Alfalfa hay from the US.
The two parties reportedly worked out a revised work plan in this regard.
It includes phase-wise transfer of oversight of preclearance of irradiation treatment to India.
Export details
The exports will commence with the Alphonso variety of mangoes by March.
The ministry said there is a huge acceptance of and consumer preference for Indian mangoes in the US.
India exported 800 Metric Tonnes (MTs) of mangoes to the US in 2017-18, with an export value of $2.75 million.
Similarly, in 2018-19, 951 MT mangoes worth $3.63 million were exported to US.
India exported another 1,095 MT, valued at $4.35 million, to the US in 2019-20.
Exporters estimate that the quantity of mangoes they will send to the US in 2022 may surpass the figures of 2019-20.
What it means locally
The USDA approval paves the way for exports from traditional mango production belts such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) said this would also provide an opportunity for the export of other delicious varieties of mangoes from North and East India.
These include varieties such as Langra, Chausa, Dushehri and Fazli from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
Pomegranate exports from India and Alfalfa hay and cherry exports from the US will begin in April.
