Controversy Erupts as Companies Shift Focus from Key Issues

The recent rejection of 15 mango consignments from India by the United States has sparked significant controversy, leading to substantial losses for exporters. Indian authorities have accused US inspectors of failing to follow established protocols, resulting in the destruction of the fruits. This incident comes at a time when Indian mango exports to the US have seen remarkable growth, increasing by 130% in value over the past year.

Export Growth and Recent Setbacks

Indian mango exports to the United States have experienced a remarkable surge, with the value rising to $10 million in the fiscal year 2024, compared to $4.36 million in the previous year. This growth has been driven by the increasing popularity of various mango varieties, including Alphonso, Kesar, Banganapalli, and Himayat. However, the recent rejection of shipments has put a damper on this positive trend. The Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) reported that US inspectors rejected the consignments due to procedural issues, which has raised concerns among Indian exporters. The rejection involved 25 metric tonnes of mangoes from 10 exporters, all of which had undergone irradiation treatment on May 8 and 9.

Allegations of Procedural Failures

The MSAMB has expressed frustration over the handling of the situation by US inspectors. They stated that instead of communicating concerns with the relevant agencies or notifying the irradiation facility in advance, the inspectors reported the alleged issues directly to their superiors in the US. This lack of communication led to the rejection of the mango consignments, resulting in an estimated loss of $500,000 for exporters. The board emphasized that these losses could have been avoided if the inspectors had raised their concerns before issuing the necessary documentation for US-bound mangoes.

Investigation and Resumption of Operations

In light of the rejection, an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the procedural failures. Reports indicate that staff members at the irradiation facility may not have properly documented dosimeter measurements, which are crucial for ensuring compliance with US regulations. Following the incident, the irradiation operations at the Mumbai facility resumed normal functioning on May 10, with no impact on the other two approved facilities located in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. From May 11 to May 18, the Mumbai facility successfully shipped 53,072 boxes, totaling 185.75 metric tonnes of mangoes to the US.

Compliance and Future Prospects

The export of Indian mangoes to the US is governed by a Cooperative Service Agreement between the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The operational guidelines are outlined in an irradiation work plan established by both parties. This process includes sourcing mangoes from registered farms, processing them at approved packhouses, and treating them with hot water fungicide before irradiation. Despite the recent setbacks, Indian mango exporters remain hopeful for continued growth in the US market, as they work to ensure compliance with all necessary protocols.

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