India has formally requested the United States to authorize domestic laboratories for the irradiation of specific fruits, such as mangoes, aiming to assist exporters in reducing additional trade costs. Currently, exporters are required to conduct irradiation at US ports, leading to increased expenses and uncertainty, especially in cases of consignment rejection.
The matter was brought to the forefront during the 14th India-US Trade Policy Forum meeting held on January 12 in New Delhi. An official stated, “We have raised the issue of fruit irradiation which they do on their coast. Let it happen here. They can allow Indian labs to do so. It will reduce trade costs in a way.”
International trade experts highlight that various Indian products may necessitate irradiation at US ports before entering the US market to comply with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations. This measure is intended to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases.
Ajay Srivastava, Co-Founder of the think tank GTRI, proposed a more efficient approach by conducting irradiation in India before exports. He noted that modern facilities in India can meet the import requirements of the US. Irradiation is a process that enhances the safety of fruits by eliminating microorganisms and pests without compromising the quality of the produce.
Irradiation facilities are already available in multiple Indian states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Fruits that often require irradiation include fresh mangoes, grapes, pomegranates, and various spices. Additionally, certain handicrafts, furniture, and animal products like hides and skin can also benefit from this process.
Explaining the significance of irradiation, Srivastava pointed out that Indian mangoes, renowned for their sweetness and flavor, could harbor fruit flies, posing a threat to US agriculture. Irradiation effectively eliminates these pests without compromising the quality of the fruit. Similarly, grapes from India may carry fruit flies and other quarantine pests, and irradiation is crucial to disinfect them for safe entry into the US.
Pomegranates, known for their juicy arils, can be infested with mealybugs and other insects. Irradiation ensures that they arrive pest-free in the US. Furthermore, certain Indian spices, such as coriander seeds and fenugreek, may harbor insects and fungal spores, making irradiation essential for safer consumption in the US. Wood, often used in handicrafts and furniture, can harbor wood-boring beetles and insects that pose a threat to US forests, and irradiation serves as a protective measure.
India’s proposal seeks to streamline the export process, making it more cost-effective for Indian exporters and ensuring the adherence to international phytosanitary standards. The response from the US on this matter is awaited, and discussions on facilitating trade continue between the two nations.