USDA-APHIS inspection: new approach planned in India

Export of Indian mangoes has been restricted by US since 2020 as the USDA inspectors were unable to visit India for inspection of irradiation facilities due to restrictions imposed on international travel because of pandemic

According to the Dehli newspaper The Tribune, the commerce ministry announced that India has secured approval of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the export of domestic mangoes to America in the new season.

The export of Indian mangoes has been restricted by the US since 2020 as the USDA inspectors were unable to visit India for inspection of irradiation facilities due to restrictions imposed on international travel because of the Covid-19 pandemic. On November 23, 2021, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the USDA signed a framework agreement for implementing the “2 Vs 2” agri-market access issues.

Under the agreement, India and the US will follow a joint protocol on irradiation for India’s mango and pomegranate exports to the US and import of cherries and Alfalfa hay from the US.

The revised work plan includes a phase-wise transfer of oversight of pre-clearance of irradiation treatment to India as agreed upon between both countries.

From March, when the mango season starts, India will thus be able to export mangoes to the USA commencing with the Alphonso variety.

India had exported 1,095 tons worth 4.35 million US dollars in 2019-20 and it is expected that these figures will be surpassed in 2022 with exports from traditional mango production regions such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.