New Delhi: India has secured approval of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the export of domestic mangoes to America in the new season, the commerce ministry said on Tuesday.

The export of Indian mangoes has been restricted by the US since 2020 as the USDA inspectors were unable to visit India for inspection due to restrictions imposed on international travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On November 23, 2021, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the USDA signed a framework agreement for implementing the 2 Vs 2' agri-market access issues. Under the agreement, India and the US will follow a joint protocol on irradiation for India's mango and pomegranate exports to the US and import of cherries and Alfalfa hay from America.

The ministry said that a revised work plan has been worked out, including phase-wise transfer of oversight of pre-clearance of Irradiation treatment to India as agreed upon between both countries.

Source- PTI