Why has Japan banned the import of Indian mangoes? What is Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT) and why is it used? When and for what reason did Japan ban Indian mangoes? Which are the top 5 countries that buy mangoes from India?
twoThis season, the doors of Japan have been closed for Indian mangoes, which are famous all over the world for their taste. Japan has banned the import of mangoes from India. The reason given is that some irregularities have been found during production in the processing centers of India. This ban has been imposed after almost two decades. Since 2006, every year mangoes of varieties like Kesar, Alphonso, Langra and Banganapalli were sent to Japan from India. Earlier in 1986, Japan had banned Indian mangoes due to fruit fly, which was lifted after 20 years in 2006.
Every year before the start of mango season, Japan sends its inspectors to India. These people test the ‘Vapor Heat Treatment’ (VHT) process here. This is a chemical-free method, in which hot and humid air makes the mangoes free from insects. In March this year, a team of quarantine officials from Japan had come to Rahmanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The team found flaws in the disinfection methods in Indian processing centers and on this basis banned the import of mangoes.
Japan’s ‘Yokohama Plant Protection Station’ has made it clear that mango consignments with inspection certificates issued after March 25 will no longer be accepted. The organization says that mangoes will be taken only after the standards of operation improve. Akram Baig, an exporter from Uttar Pradesh, has raised questions on this. “There is a whole new processing system to improve the quality of Indian mangoes. If only the system made in Japan is allowed, it seems to be a case of monopoly and diplomacy and not just technical flaws,” he said.
Exporters are angry
Japan is known for its strict quality standards. For this reason, the Government of India started the first VHT plant in Tirupati in 2007. Since then, India has been exporting mangoes only after processing them very carefully. Although Japan is not a very big market, this ban has been imposed at a time when the situation in the domestic market is also not good. This has increased the burden on exporters. Baig expressed his displeasure and said, “How is it possible that mangoes from all the centers are rejected? It seems that the inspection team had come with the intention of making these centers fail in any way.”
Top 5 mango buying countries
Last year, India exported mangoes (especially saffron from Gujarat) worth about 2 million dollars to Japan. The top 5 countries that buy mangoes from India are…
America (US)
UAE
United Kingdom (UK)
Netherlands
saudi arabia
The Indian government has not yet given any official statement on this ban. However, Indian Mango Growers Association president S. Insram Ali said that the Central Government is in talks with the Japanese Government and a solution is expected soon. But experts believe that the season is almost ending, so there is little possibility of the ban being lifted this year.