India Grape Exports Up, Residue Concerns Still .

NEW DELHI India’s grape exports have risen steadily in recent years thanks to persistent increase in demand in European markets and it is being increasingly sold in European supermarkets,  according to Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry.

However, European markets are still concerned about residues in Indian shipments and there was reluctance on their part  to import from India this year due to detection of Chlormequat Chloride Component (CCC), a Plant Growth Regulator in excess of the prescribed Maximum Residue Level (MRL) for Table Grapes.

Therefore, for the ensuing grape season, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA) has, in consultation with stakeholders, revised the RMP document increasing the list of agro chemicals to be monitored from 98 to 167. This document has been hosted on the APEDA website. APEDA has sanctioned an amount of Rs.3.50 Crores to National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune for purchase of modern instruments.

Further an assistance of Rs.10 Crores was provided to APEDA recognized laboratories for purchase of high precision equipment. To strengthen the laboratory testing capabilities, APEDA is also organizing a training program for the laboratories odetail of export of grapes during the last three years reflects a persistent growth year on year, the Minister informed Lok Sabha on Monday.

India has in recent years introduced the Residue Monitoring Plan (RMP) and that coupled with the Web-based GrapeNet software system provides traceability for all grape exported to the European Union (EU).

According to APEDA, India exported 96964 MT of grapes valued at Rs 317.83 cr in 2008-08 which rose to 124628 MT valued at Rs 408.61 cr in 2008-09 and further to 131154 MT in 2009-10 valued at Rs 545.34 cr.

Source : commodityonline.com