First Indian Mangoes Head to U.S.

NEW DELHI - Apr 26/07 - SNS -- The first consignment of mangoes from India left for the United States now that the USDA will allow such imports.

Initially, India will be exporting Alphonso, Banganpalli and Kesar, the early maturing mango varieties, while Langra, Chausa, Mallika, Dussheri and other varieties are proposed for exports in the latter part of the mango season.

Exports of Indian mango to US, which was a long-standing Indian request and an unresolved bilateral phytosanitary issue, has finally come through only as a consequence of protracted negotiations between USDA and DAC officials and after USDA brought out Import Rules for Indian mango, prescribing irradiation phytosanitary treatment and is based on a mutually agreed treatment protocol which aims at assuring that there would be no risk of introduction of exotic plant diseases and pests into US.

Opening of the US market for Indian mango spells an excellent business opportunity for Indian mango producers and it is now for the Indian entrepreneurs, mango growers and trade associations to realize the fruits of the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture.