The Central Government has secured the approval of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for export of Indian mangoes to USA in the new season this year, according to a statement issued by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Tuesday. 

As part of the mutual agreement signed recently, India will be able to export mangoes to the USA in the mango season commencing with the Alphonso variety of mangoes by March onwards, the official statement said.

The export of Indian mangoes has been restricted by the USA since 2020 as USDA inspectors were unable to visit India for inspection of irradiation facility due to restrictions imposed on international travel because of Covid-19 pandemic.

A framework agreement for implementing the 2 Vs 2 Agri market access has been signed recently, in pursuant to the 12th India – USA Trade Policy Forum meeting held on November 23, 2021,

Under the agreement, India and the US would follow joint protocol on irradiation for India’s mango exports and pomegranate exports to the US and import of cherries and Alfalfa hay from the US.

A revised work plan has been worked out, including phase-wise transfer of oversight of pre-clearance of irradiation treatment to India as agreed upon between both the countries.

There is a huge demand for Indian mangoes in the USA as the country had exported 800 metric tonnes (MTs) of mangoes to the USA in 2017-18 valued at USD 2.75 million.

Similarly, in 2018-19, 951 MT mangoes worth USD 3.63 million were exported to USA and 1,095 MT USD 4.35 Million of mangoes were exported to USA in 2019-20.

As per estimates received from the exporters, the export of mangoes in 2022, may surpass the figures of 2019-20.

The USDA approval would pave the way for exports from traditional mango production belts such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) said that this would also provide an opportunity for the export of other delicious varieties of mangoes from North and East India such as Langra, Chausa, Dushehri, Fazli, etc from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.

The pomegranate exports from April 2022. Exports of Alfalfa hay and cherries from the USA will begin in April 2022.