In an attempt to restart the import of mangoes from india, European Union (EU) decided to lift a seven-month-long ban on the import of mangoes from India.
The proposal to lift the ban was voted unanimously by the European Commission’s standing committee on plant health. As a result of this, India will be able to start the export again.
The decision to lift the ban was taken after significant improvements in plant health controls and certification system by India.
The move is being considered as a relief to India, the world’s biggest producer of Mangoes.
Reasons behind the ban on Indian mangoes in European Union?
- Fruit flies and other quarantine pests were found in 207 consignments in 2014.
- The consignment infested with fruit flies were found by authorities in Brussels.
- The ban was imposed due to the fear that the fruit flies could damage European salad crops of tomato and cucumber.
Importance of the decision
- The EU accounts for more than 50 percent of total exports of fruits and vegetables from India.
- The UK is the main destination, followed by the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.