Good news for Indian Alphonso mangoes – EU to lift ban on imports from India

#alphonsomango #mangoban #fruitflies The EU had imposed a ban on import of Indian mangoes last May because some shipments of the fruit were found to have fruit flies in them. Since there had been "significant improvements" in India's mango export system, the European Commission has decided to lift the ban on import of mangoes from India after the unanimous vote.
The ban had led to a drastic fall in revenue from export of the mangoes. As revealed by the Mr M Rafeeque Ahmed, president of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, the exports were in the region of $307.4m between April and November in 2013 but had dropped to $291.4m in the same period last year.
Once the ban on Indian mango imports into the European Union is lifted, it would pave the way for them to return to the UK and other member states.
The decision has come as a big relief to mango farmers of Ratnagiri district located some 325-Km south of Mumbai and close to the border with Goa. The district is famous for its Alphonso mangoes, also known as the 'king of fruits'. Europe is a significant market for the industry.
However, some other foodstuffs such as Indian aubergines, two types of squash, and a type of leaf used in cooking will remain restricted. Other food items in the banned list are bitter gourds, snake gourds and patra leaves – these would remain in banned category subject to sustained improvements in plant pest control.