Even though the country produces nearly 1,000 varieties of the king of fruits, it does not even rank among the top three mango exporters of the world. Mexico, Brazil, and the Netherlands ace the list. And this year, India has lost a key market – Japan. 

What’s more, while the quantum of mango exports to Japan is not much, India’s loss is turning out to be a boon for several other countries, including Pakistan and Vietnam.

Indian mangoes being banned in Japan this year is making headlines. But why did it happen in the first place? Japanese inspection officers noted that treatment undertaken to disinfect the mangoes had been inadequate.

Sources said that every year about eight to nine heat treatment plants are identified for inspection. Japanese officials visit these plants to ensure that the treatment process is adhered to.

“This year during the inspection, the Vashi plant was not properly functioning, and this has been the root cause for Japan’s rejection of Indian mangoes this year,” a person familiar with the development told The Secretariat. 

Inspection Gone Bitter

Among the many heat treatment plants, one is located in Navi Mumbai’s Vashi. The plant operated by the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board was aiming to treat a large number of mangoes.

Heat treatment for mangoes is a necessary exercise for exports — not just to Japan but even other countries such as South Korea and other destinations in Europe. The treatment, through hot water or vapour heat, is much needed to ensure that mangoes remain free of any post-harvest diseases. This is a key exercise enabling Indian mango growers to meet international export standards.

“This year Japan has sourced its mangoes from other countries, and if such negligence happens, India will stand to lose more markets. Processes and protocols must be taken with seriousness,” the person said.

Besides India, Thailand, Mexico, and Taiwan are among the key suppliers of mangoes to Tokyo. This year though, Pakistan and Vietnam have also come up as alternative sources for the Japanese. Taiwan too has sent more consignments of the fruit to Tokyo.

Mango Exports To Japan

It was exactly two decades ago that Tokyo lifted the ban on the import of “desi aam,” or mangoes produced in the country. 

Japan had imposed a ban on imports of Indian mangoes in 1986 due to quality issues driven by pest infestation. In June 2006, Tokyo decided to lift the ban “on the basis of the request by the Indian side” and after assurance that there was “no risk of infiltration of diseases and pests through previous scientific and technical examinations” while getting acceptance through procedures like public hearing, public comment etc.

While for India, Japan is not a major export market for mangoes — the US and UAE remain key destinations, sources said that New Delhi must ensure that its credibility as a reliable supplier is maintained. India’s total export of mangoes to Japan is about 45 MT.

India produces about 45% of the world’s mangoes but its share in exports has remained relatively low.

“That should not be a cause for concern as a large chunk of the fruit is consumed domestically. What is concerning is discrepancies in procedures needed for exports, which was pre-determined,” the person noted.

For India, which is looking at expanding exports even as global challenges rise, ensuring that due processes are adhered is imperative. Otherwise, a perfectly sweet story can end on a sour note.