India exporters are eyeing improved access to the US market, following a bilateral video conference on agriculture between the two nations last week.
During the conference, the US Government agreed to send a team of inspectors to evaluate India’s pre-shipment inspection processes, according to the Economic Times. The move comes after the European Union voted to remove a ban on Indian mango imports earlier this year, following a similar audit to what the US will conduct.
“The US assured us that they will be sending their inspectors in the coming months to approve our pre-shipment clearance process as we sought access for our mangoes, pomegranates, and lychees,” an Indian Government official told the Economic Times. “Grapes consignment is almost ready to take off. The matter is nearly sorted.”
India shipped around US$1m worth of mangoes to the North American nation over 2013/14, however, US concerns over pesticide fumigation have limited opportunities this season. The inspections, expected be carried out by the National Plant Protection Organisation, will focus on explaining the scientific process used to clear fruit for export.
“We have an institutionalised mechanism for mango exports. The agreement between the US and India is about the process... consignments following the agreed process do not face problems,” the Indian Government official added.
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