Question : BAN ON IMPORT OF INDIAN FRUITS

(a) whether some countries have banned the import of various Indian fruits during 2006-07 and 2007-08;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor, country-wise, fruit-wise;

(c) whether the Government has taken up the issue with such countries;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the outcome thereof; and

(e) the steps taken for promotion of export of Indian frui

MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI KAMAL NATH)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.270 FOR ANSWER ON 18TH MARCH, 2008 REGARDING “BAN ON IMPORT OF INDIAN FRUITS”

(a)&(b) The details of the ban imposed by different countries on import of Indian fruits are given below:

Country Name of fruits for which market access is denied Reasons China 14 fruits and vegetables including guava, watermelons, musk / Hami Melon, papayas, pomegranate, sapota and custard apple Import of the fruits is not being allowed in the absence of a phyto-sanitary protocol. Japan Grape and Mango There is a ban on import of grapes owing to the alleged presence of fruit flies. The ban on import of 6 varieties of mango was lifted in June 2006. USA Mango and Pomegranate Import of mango was not allowed in the absence of a phyto-sanitary protocol. This was permitted in April 2007. Import of pomegranate is not allowed owing to quarantine requirements. Australia and New Zealand Mango Due to presence of fruit flies and stone weevil. Russia All the fruits Temporary restrictions were placed on import of plant based products in January 2008 owing to the alleged presence of a few live and dead insects in a consignment of sesame seeds exported from India.

(c)&(d) The Government has taken up the issue of lifting of ban on import of the fruits mentioned in reply to parts (a) & (b) above with the respective governments. This is at various stages of negotiations/discussions. While the Chinese government has sought time to initiate Pest Risk Analysis(PRA) for the fruits and vegetables, a delegation from the quarantine authority of Australia will visit India in April 2008 to inspect mango facilities in India. India has requested the United States to suggest mitigative methods for import of pomegranate. The Japanese Government has sought results of survey conducted by National Research Centre in Western and Southern regions. In the case of Russia, the matter has been taken up with them.

(e) The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been taking various measures to promote export of fruits. These include:


(i) Setting up of centers for perishable cargo at International Airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Thiruvananthapuram, common pack houses, and other infrastructural facilities.


(ii) Setting up and upgradation of testing laboratories and implementation of residue monitoring plans, development of packaging and preparation of pre and post harvest manuals for export of agri produce including fruits.


(iii) Setting up of Agri Export Zones for agri produce including fruits.


(iv) Participation in international trade fairs, organisation of promotional campaigns, buyer seller meets and training programmes for certification bodies and farmers


(v) Financial assistance to its registered exporters under its schemes for Financial assistance for Infrastructure Development, Market Development, Quality Development, Research & Development and Transport assistance.