(a) whether the fruits and vegetables which are being exported from India to gulf countries have been facing any restrictions;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken to boost the exports of fruits and vegetables from the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a & b) There is no general restriction on the fruits and vegetables being exported to Gulf countries from India. However, some countries have temporarily suspended imports from the State of Kerala due to occurrence of NIPAH virus during May 2018. The Government is taking all possible steps to get this suspension lifted at the earliest.
(c) The promotion of exports of fruits and vegetables is a continuous process. The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), an autonomous organisation under the administrative control of the Department of Commerce, has the mandate to promote exports of fruits and vegetables. APEDA provides assistance to the exporters of fruits and vegetables under various component of its scheme “Agriculture & Processed Food Export promotion Scheme of APEDA” viz. Infrastructure Development, Quality Development and Market Development. In addition, incentives are available on export of various fruits and vegetables under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS). Assistance is also provided to exporters/state governments under various other schemes of Department of Commerce viz. Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES), Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme etc.
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