Experts say Maharashtra contributes 98% to the total exports of grapes from India and it is the leading state in horticulture in the country, specifically with regards to area, production and export of mangoes, banana, pomegranates and few vegetables. The state is earning sizeable foreign exchange through large-scale exports of these commodities.
According to the same experts, Hortinet traceability systems like Grapenet, Mangonet, Anarnet and Vegnet have been successfully implemented in the state for registration of exportable items to fulfil requirements of importing countries.
Grapes in Maharashtra
Grape is an important crop grown in Maharashtra. The state contributes 98% share of total export of the fruit from India due to its quality and residue-free production. According to APEDA, in the year 2018-19, Maharashtra exported 230,203 tons of grapes, which was valued at Rs 22,100 bln and 95% share. Some 21,574 tons of mangoes were exported, which were valued at Rs 1,93 bln and 48% share. Some 65,559 tons of bananas were exported which were valued at Rs 2.3 bln and 55% share. Some 57,335 tons of pomegranate were exported which were valued at Rs 5.37 bln and 78% share. Some 20,345 tons of oranges were exported, valued at Rs 1.2 bln and 48% share.
However, earlier in 2003-04, the EU rejected Indian grapes import on the ground of pesticide residue. Since then special initiatives were taken for the formation of the system of monitoring of pesticide residue issues under the guidance of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) New Delhi, under Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
Govind Hande, Technical Advisor, Export, National Horticulture Mission Commissionerate of Agriculture, Pune, informed, “To fulfil the SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures) requirement of EU pertaining to pesticide residues in exportable grape, the state has taken a lead in formulation of pesticide residue monitoring system in consultation with APEDA, National Research Centre for Grapes and Maharashtra Rajya Draksh Bagayatdar Sangh.”
He added that long-term strategies for resolving the problem pertaining to pesticide residues and for assuring export of residue-free grapes to European Union, 'Farm to Fork', total traceability system entitled 'Residue Monitoring System for Export of Grapes to European Union (Grapenet) was formulated and implemented from 2006-07.
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