A breakthrough agreement between India and South Africa on fruit fly cold treatments for citrus has been welcomed by the industry
India has finally approved additional treatment options for fresh citrus exports from South Africa.
The South African citrus industry (CGA) said the agreement marks a significant development for the industry, made after nearly a decade of negotiations.
South Africa already exports citrus to India with various treatments for fruit fly.
Additional fruit fly cold treatment options will now allow for the quality of the fruit in the market to improve, adding important logistical flexibility.
South Africa’s minister of agriculture Willie Aucamp welcomed the development.
“This is not only good news, but also indicates how advanced technology enables our farmers to push barriers to have other countries enjoy our high-quality produce,” he said.
With a population of approximately 1.47bn and one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, India represents significant potential for South African citrus.
Despite this, India’s share of exports from South Africa is very small and thus presents an exceptional opportunity for growth.
South Africa also exports various other categories of fruit to India, with apple and pear exports showing considerable growth in recent times.
The CGA statement noted that India is itself one of the world’s largest citrus producers, and consumers are already familiar with the product category.
South Africa’s counter-seasonal production provides an opportunity to complement domestic supply, particularly as the Indian middle class expands, health-conscious consumption grows and demand for mandarin-type citrus increases.
“Special recognition is given to the Department of Agriculture and Citrus Research International for their continued technical engagement with Indian authorities that have made the new treatment options possible,” said Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, chief executive of the CGA.
”This demonstrates the importance of sustained public-private partnership in improving technical conditions for accessing markets.”
Ntshabele said that attention should now shift towards improving the commercial conditions under which South African citrus enters the Indian market.
“Most favoured nation tariffs of approximately 25-30 per cent continue to place South African citrus at a disadvantage compared with Southern Hemisphere competitors benefiting from preferential tariff arrangements,” he pointed out.
“We look forward to working with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition on the critical task of addressing these tariff barriers and improving the competitiveness of South African citrus in the Indian market going forward.
“With positive developments in the SACU–India Preferential Trade Agreement process, continued momentum towards improved preferential access will help unlock India’s great market potential and support the long-term sustainability and diversification of the South African citrus industry,” Ntshabele added.
”The CGA sees combining improved phytosanitary market access with more competitive tariff conditions as being key to growing South Africa’s presence in India and supporting the long-term sustainability, growth and diversification of the South African citrus industry.”
