The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given India permission to export homegrown mangoes to America for the new season, the commerce ministry announced on Tuesday.
The US has prohibited the export of Indian mangoes since 2020 because USDA inspectors have been unable to visit India to inspect irradiation plants due to travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 epidemic. The USDA and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare inked a framework agreement on November 23, 2021, to implement the “2 Vs 2” agri-market access concerns.
According to the agreement, India and the United States would follow a joint irradiation process for India’s mango and pomegranate exports to the United States, as well as the import of cherries and Alfalfa hay from the United States. According to the ministry, a revised work plan has been developed, which includes the transfer of oversight of pre-clearance of irradiation therapy to India in phases, as agreed upon by both countries. As part of the deal, India will be authorised to export mangoes to the United States throughout the mango season, beginning in March with the Alphonso variety of mangoes.
“The central government has received USDA authorisation for the new season’s shipment of Indian mangoes to the United States,” it said. According to the ministry, India exported 800 metric tonnes (MTs) of mangoes worth USD 2.75 million to the United States in 2017-18. Similarly, 951 MT of mangoes for USD 3.63 million were shipped in 2018-19, followed by 1,095 MT worth USD 4.35 million in 2019-20. “According to estimations received from exporters, mango exports in 2022 may exceed those of 2019-20,” the government said.
The USDA’s permission will allow traditional mango-producing regions like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to export their produce.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) stated that this will also allow for the export of other exquisite mango types from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, such as Langra, Chausa, Dushehri, Fazli, and others.