1.   

Aus, NZ approve import of irradiated mangoes from India

After the United States, Australia and New Zealand can import Indian mangoes that have undergone a process known as irradiation. While the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand has approved import of irradiated mangoes, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has also approved import of irradiated pomegranates from India.

2.   

Imported packaged food export norms to be relaxed

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade ( DGFT) may liberalise the norms for export of imported food items. According to officials, this is one of many measures taken to improve exports with a focus on agri-products, processed food etc. As per the current guidelines, imported food items have to abide by provisions of Standards of Weights and Measures ( Packaged Commodities) Rules 1977.

3.   

Govt not to ban onion export for now

The Government has decided not to ban export of onions at the moment, as shipments this year have been lower than last year. It also feels that the sharp rise in onion prices in the domestic market is mainly due to supply problems and not exports. An inter-ministerial committee comprising senior officials from the Department of Commerce, the Agriculture Ministry, the Food Processing Ministry, the Consumer Affairs Ministry and Nafed has decided against an export ban after examining figures for production, export and prices.

4.   

Production of vegetables in India at 156 million in 2011-12

The per capita availability of milk, fruits and vegetables in the country is 290 gram, 200 gram and 401 gram, respectively which is comparable to the world average, as per estimates of the ministry of agriculture. During 2011-12, the production of fruits and vegetables in India was 76.42 million tonne and 156.33 million tonne, respectively. Department of agriculture & cooperation, the ministry said, is implementing various programmes for promotion of horticulture in the country.