(a) whether the European Union (EU) has imposed ban on import of Indian Mangoes including the famed Alphonsos;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the quantum of foreign exchange loss to the country thereby;
(d) whether the Government has taken up the matter with the EU in this regard and if so, the response from EU thereto; and
(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to protect the interest of mango growers of the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a & b)Yes, Madam. The European Union (EU) has prohibited import from India of five (5) fruits and vegetables which include mango, effective from 01st May, 2014 on account of interceptions of export consignments not compliant with EU Phytosanitary regulations.
(c to e)The export of fresh mangoes to the EU during the last three years has been as follows:
Quantity in MT, Value in Rs. lakh 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value 3061 1911 3890 3559 3933 5022The Government of India has taken several measures including enhancement of capacity and numbers of inspecting staff and improvement in infrastructure, implementation of a Standard Operating Procedure to guarantee safe exports and routing of all export consignments of perishables to EU through approved pack houses from 01.04.2014 to enable better inspection and certification.