India has gained access to Mauritius for its mangoes after direct intervention by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, reports the Business Standard.
Modi held extensive talks with his Mauritian counterpart Anerood Jugnauth during a recent visit, which resulted in access being granted in early March, the paper said
Under the deal, Indian exporters can ship mangoes to Mauritius between 1 April and 31 August.
For several years Mauritius has refused to give the green light to Indian mangoes due to fruit-fly fears, the report said.
'Until now, we were not receiving clearances for mango consignments from Mauritius, as local authorities in that country were not issuing required certificates. Now, we will be able to supply mangoes to Mauritius,' said Insaram Ali, president, All India Mango Producers' Association.
India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) has urged exporters to follow the proper vapour heat and hot water treatment guidelines to make Indian mangoes acceptable to Mauritian consumers, said the report.
'Exporters can utilise the current mango season for export to Mauritius,' said R Ravindra, deputy general manager, Apeda.
Mango production in India is expected to fall by 25-30 per cent this season, due to crop damage following unseasonal rainfall in major growing states, the Business Standard said.
