The ban has affected mango exporters at Mumbai's Crawford market
The United Kingdom Parliament will debate the ban on the import of Alphonso mangoes from India next week. The move comes in the wake of Indian-origin Member of Parliament Keith Vaz terming the ban an example of "Euro-nonsense and bureaucracy gone mad." (
Keith Vaz Gives Boxes of Alphonso Mangoes to British PM)
In a statement, Mr Vaz said, "Each day is costing UK retailers millions of pounds and is putting at risk the special relationship between Britain and India. I hope the government can act quickly to end this crisis." (
European Union Ban on Alphonso Mangoes Unfortunate: FICCI)
This ban came into place after 207 Indian consignments of fruits and vegetables were found to be contaminated by pests like fruit flies last year. The temporary ban, proposed by the European Union, includes mangoes, eggplant, bitter gourd and snake gourd. (
India Asks EU to Lift 'Shocking, Premature' Ban on Mangoes)
UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says that the ban is necessary and points out shortcomings in the process of growing, processing and packing, even though the banned items comprise less than five per cent of the total amount of fresh fruits and vegetables exported to the EU. (
European Union Bans Indian Alphonso mangoes)
A mango exporter at Mumbai's Crawford Market told NDTV, "This has already affected my business by 30 per cent. Now we are counting on the Gulf countries."
The crisis the 'king of fruits' finds itself in, which may continue till December next year, has ensured that prices hit rock bottom. (
India Irked by European Union Ban on Alphonso Mangoes)
Nearly 16 million mangoes are imported into the UK from India every year - comprising over 60 per cent of the market; the business is estimated to be worth six million pounds.
Incidentally, the only ones benefitting from the ban are local consumers who are finally getting their favourite fruit at lower rates at the domestic market.
One of them said, "Last year, we had come to buy mangoes but couldn't do so due to the high prices. But due to a shutdown on exports, the prices will reduce. We will be able to eat Alphonso mangoes and we will make sure we eat a lot."