India's mango exports to the United States have resumed smoothly following the resolution of a technical error at one of the country's main irradiation facilities. The error, discovered at the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board's Export Facilitation Centre in Vashi, led to the rejection of 25 metric tons of mangoes by U.S. authorities earlier in May. The issue, related to dosimetry readings during the irradiation process on May 8 and 9, disrupted shipments despite initial certification confirming compliance.
The irradiation process, mandated to prevent fruit fly infestation, is conducted under the Cooperative Service Agreement between India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The rejected consignments were initially cleared and certified by American inspectors before discrepancies were later reported. According to Indian authorities, proper protocol was not followed, as the U.S. inspectors failed to alert local officials or halt the certification process before raising concerns with their superiors.
Following an inquiry and a corrective report submitted on May 11, exports were promptly reinstated. Between May 11 and May 18, around 185 metric tons of mangoes were successfully shipped to the U.S., including popular varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, Pairi, Banganapalli, Himayat, Raspuri, Langra, Chausa, and Dasheri. As of now, the Vashi facility has exported 1,413 metric tons this season, with a target of 2,000 metric tons.
India's exports of mangoes to the U.S. surged by 130% in FY24, rising from $4.36 million in FY23 to $10.01 million. The country, now exporting to 48 nations, recorded its highest fresh mango export value in five years, reaching $60.14 million from 32,104 metric tons. The U.S. and UAE together account for more than half of India's mango exports, driven by growing global demand and improved export infrastructure. With rising realizations—from $1,130 per metric ton in 2019–20 to $1,846 in 2024–25—India is on track for another record year.
Source 1: Financial Express
Source 2: Punekar News
