Japan lifts ban on import of Indian mango after 20 years

Hyderabad, July 29 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh today said Japan had lifted the ban on import of Indian mangoes after 20 years of pursuation from the Centre.

Talking to newspersons here, he said the Japanese Government had approved to import properly processed six varieties of mangoes grown in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Gujarat.

While the Banganapalli, one of the six varieties is grown in Andhra Pradesh, the other varieties, Alphanso, Kesar, Langra, Chausa and Mallika are grown in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Replying to a question, he said the Japanese authorities had imposed the ban as 'fruit fly pest' was found in the Indian mango.

Now the Japanese would be supplying special equipment to treat the fruit and had already offered training to Indian experts.

He said such treatment plants would be established in each state for export of mangoes.

To another query he said there was no limit on the quantum of export and India could export as much as it could.

He said his ministry was hoping that exports would be possible from the next season to Japan, one of the largest importers of mangoes.

Dr Ramesh said there was a similar ban in the USA also and efforts were on to convince the US authorities.

UNI JRK ROY 2013