Indian pomegranate exports likely to run into trade roadblocks

With a bumper Indian pomegranate season in full swing, around 85,000 tons are expected to be exporte…

With a bumper Indian pomegranate season in full swing, around 85,000 tons are expected to be exported during the 2018-19 season. However, several countries -including Europe, Russia, Indonesia and China- have imposed stricter Residue Monitoring Plan (RMP) for pomegranate imports from India this year.

“The Residue Monitoring Plan (RMP) for grapes in Europe is normally 75 mg per kg but for pomegranates it has been brought down to 2 mg per kg thus making it difficult for pomegranate growers in the country to export the fruit,” said Prabhakar Chandane, chairman, Maharashtra Pomegranate Growers Research Association. “We have written to Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to intervene and seek concessions from the European Union (EU) for bringing down the limits to 10 mg per kg.”

The association sought a similar concession last season without success. “Despite drought, pomegranate production is likely to touch 1.5 million tons and exports should be around 85,000 tons,” he said.

Nearly 10,000 tons are likely to be exported to Europe, 30,000 tons to Bangladesh, 40,000 tons to West Asia and 5000 tons to other countries. The first crop of the season is likely to come up in July to September period.

Financialexpress.com reported how last year, nations including China, Indonesia and Russia, had decided to issue stricter Residue Monitoring Plan (RMP) norms on grape imports from India.