Germany resumes import of grapes after two years.

 NASHIK: After blocking the import of Indian table grapes for two years, Germany has resumed placing orders to Indian exporters after the issue was resolved at a meeting with the authorities in Berlin in February.

Indian exporters have started despatching consignments and, in fact, around 120 containers (1,440 metric tonnes) of grapes have been exported so far to Germany.

European countries had rejected Indian consignments of grapes after a chemical residue was found in the 2010 season (January-April). After joint efforts by the government and exporters, European countries, except Germany, had accepted some consignments at lower rates, while the rest of the consignments were diverted to Russia and other countries.

Since 2010, Germany had been stalling the import of table grapes from India on safety grounds. With an aim to settle the issue with Germany, an Indian delegation, including officials from the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), National Research Centre (NRC), Pune, and Grape Exporters' Association (GEAI) had visited Germany and held talks with the authorities and importers there.

"Around 90 containers have been exported directly, while the remaining 30 were sent via Rotterdam port in Netherland," Jagannath Khapare, president, Grapes Exporters' Association of India (GEAI), told TOI.

Though the contribution of European countries in total grape exports from India is 30-40%, value-wise its contribution is 50-55% as Europe pays better rates. In 2010-11, India's grape exports were 99,278.53 metric tones, amounting to around Rs 412 crore; of which, 30,284.62 metric tonnes of grapes amounting to Rs 200 crore were exported to European countries. Of the total grape exports to Europe, Germany contributes 40%, according to APEDA sources.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com