After years of squabbling, the United States has finally okayed the entry of Indian mangoes this season in the American market. Indians, fond of desi varieties like Alphonso (hafus), kesar and others will be able to savour the native taste instead of the Pakistani, Caribbean and Mexican varieties of the fruit.
The Indian government has confirmed that America has lifted the two-year-old ban on Indian mangoes. With an exception, in the past also, Indian mangoes have largely been banned in the USA, unlike the United Kingdom which relishes Indian mangoes.
This key decision was taken at the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the Indo-US Trade Policy Forum (TPF). The two countries are now focused on adding more products to the scope of exports and imports.
If these efforts are successful, India will be able to export mangoes and pomegranates to the US and import cherries from there.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative (USTR) Catherine Tai have agreed to exercise due diligence for this export-import exercise.
Goyal and Catherine predict that Indo-US trade will reach 100 billion this fiscal year.
The two decided to work together on more issues to remove barriers to trade. During the meeting, India asked the United States to restore the Priority Status (GSP) benefits to domestic exporters.
The United States has promised to look into the matter.
Mango and pomegranate exports from India will start between January and February as all barriers stand removed.
Exports of alfalfa hay and cherries from the US to India will start from April, the official statement said
Fruits meant for export to the US have to undergo irradiation which entails the fruits being exposed to weak intensity radioactive rays. US phytosanitary inspectors make an annual appearance to monitor the process, only after which the fruits are shipped. Major Indian states exporting to the US include Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. The US receives nearly 1,300 metric tonnes of the total 50,000 metric tonnes mangoes exported out of India.
A statement from the commerce and industry ministry stated: “Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare DAC&FW and US Department of Agriculture have signed an agreement for implementing the 2 vs 2 produce.” The mangoes and pomegranates export will begin February while imports will start onwards April.
Added, talks are underway with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) for the import of US pork. A sanitary certificate for finalising the same is awaited.
