Malda: Indian mangoes won’t be shipping to Japan this season. After two decades, Japan has halted imports due to issues with pest control methods. This is a big concern for Indian mango growers and traders.
A Japanese delegation recently checked the pest control processes in Rehmanpur, Uttar Pradesh, focusing on the ‘Vapour Heat Treatment’ method. They found flaws in how mangoes were treated, which led to Japan’s Yokohama Plant Protection Association deciding not to accept mangoes that come with Indian inspection certificates.
While traders hope this isn’t a complete ban, they acknowledge that improvements are needed in the treatment process. Past experiences show that once flaws are corrected, exports can resume. For instance, Japan previously banned Indian mangoes twenty years ago due to concerns over fruit flies, only to lift the ban in 2006 after India enhanced its treatment protocols.
India mainly exports Alphonso, Langra, Kesar, and Banganapalli mangoes to Japan. These varieties are popular in Japan, and many exporters were eager to introduce new ones this season. However, the Vapour Heat Treatment method is a hurdle right now.
What is Vapour Heat Treatment?
This method doesn’t use chemicals. Instead, it kills insects or larvae with hot, humid air. Special gas creates a fumigating atmosphere in a closed space, where the mangoes stay for 12 to 48 hours. This method preserves the fruit’s flavor while ensuring it is pest-free, which is crucial since pests can seriously harm local agriculture.
Ujjal Saha, president of the Malda Mango Association, shared, “This restriction is tough on farmers. Japan isn’t our largest market, but mangoes fetch high prices—about ₹350 per kilogram. We used to export around 50 to 60 metric tons yearly.”
He noted that they were starting to make progress in Japan, especially after they sent the ‘Langra’ mango there last year. “Now, those first steps are on hold. The Japanese government hasn’t blacklisted us; they’ve issued a warning. APEDA and the Quarantine Department are working to address the issues so exports can resume soon,” he added.
Mango farmer Uttam Chowdhury shared his disappointment with the decision. “If this spreads to other countries, it could harm our exports. But I’ve heard of interest from European countries and the U.S. this year,” he said. He hopes the government will enhance the vapour heat treatment process and wants the necessary infrastructure in Malda for direct exports.
Fellow farmer Biman Mondal noted that they’ve adopted modern methods, like ‘fruit bagging’, to shield crops from pests, even if it raises costs. “We’re focused on the future of mango farming here. But we still need government support for proper sterilization infrastructure before exports begin. I believe the issues will be sorted quickly, and Indian mangoes will return to the Japanese market,” he said.
In summary, while the halt in mango exports to Japan is a setback, it reflects a broader responsibility to ensure safe agricultural practices. According to a 2021 study from the Food and Agriculture Organization, not implementing stringent pest control can lead to crop loss worth billions globally. This highlights the need for innovation and collaboration in agriculture to secure international trade.
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MALDA MANGO REXPORT UNDER CLOUD, MANGOES FACE JAPANESE EXPORT HURDLE, INDIAN MANGOES FACE JAPANESE EXPORT HURDLE AS VAPUR HEAT TREATMENT FAILS TEST; MALDA FARMERS HIT
