India's Grapes Export Hit Purple Patch in Europe.

(UNI) After witnessing a continuous rise for the past three years, India's export of grapes to Europe hit a purple patch this year on account of the presence of a chemical beyond the prescribed limit, government informed Lok Sabha today.

From 96,964 tonnes worth Rs 317.83 crore in 2007-08, India exported 1,24,628 tonnes of grapes valued at Rs 408.61 crore in 2008-09, while in 2009-10 the exports went up to 1,31,154 tonnes worth Rs 545.34 crore, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia said in a written reply.

He attributed the increase to overall acceptance of quality of Indian grapes in European supermarkets due to introduction of residue monitoring plan (RMP) and web-based GrapeNet software system which provides traceability for all grapes exported to the European Union (EU).

'However, during the 2010 grape season, the European Countries had shown reluctance in accepting grape shipments from India due to detection of chlormequat chloride ... , a plant growth regulator in excess of the prescribed maximum residue level (MRL) for table(edible) grapes', the Minister said.

Chlormequat chloride is a low poisonous plant growth regulator.

Mr Scindia said Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has updated the RMP document after taking up the issue with European Commission (EC) and stakeholders and increased the list of agro chemicals to be monitored by it from 98 to 167, apparently to overcome the export hurdle.

He said APEDA has sanctioned Rs 3.50 crore to National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune for purchasing modern testing instruments.

APEDA has also been given Rs 10 crore to fund laboratories recognised by it for buying high-end testing equipment.

APEDA is also organising a training programme for personnel on multi residue testing in the Netherlands to strengthen the lab-testing capabilities. UNI

Source : indlawnews.com