The first consignment of the delicious Indian variety of the king of fruits is all set to fly in the next few days to enhance the American palate.
NEW DELHI: Growers of the famed Alphonso mango in Maharashtra and Goa can cheer in unison. The first consignment of the delicious Indian variety of the king of fruits is all set to fly in the next few days to enhance the American palate. The mangoes underwent nuclear treatment at the BARC Irradiation Facility at Lasagaon, Nashik so that the “quarantine plant pests” do enter US territory.
An agriculture ministry official said President George W Bush has developed a fancy for the Indian mangoes after his visit to New Delhi. Thus followed an agreement, between the mango-growers and the Centre, on the long-standing demand for exports to the US. “Proposals of Indo-US nuclear deal can wait, but not the mangoes,” officials said.
The official said: “It’s a triumphant moment for us. Our efforts have paid off. The USDA (US dept of agriculture) finally brought out import rules for Indian mangoes based on a mutually agreed irradiation treatment protocol, aimed at negating the risk of any introduction of exotic plant diseases and pests into the US.” At least two teams of US experts have already visited India to oversee the developments and inspect irradiation facility.
DNA had earlier reported that the Department of Atomic Energy services were being used for make mangoes export-worthy to the US. Another official body APEDA (Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) has been involved for registration of approved mangoes orchards and pack houses.
Each shipment would also have to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organisation of India with additional declarations providing specific information regarding the treatment and inspection of the mangoes.
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