1.   

China okays Indian basmati import

China has finally permitted the import of Indian basmati into its markets in a move that is expected to marginally reduce the yawning bilateral trade imbalance in China’s favour. Officials said a notification in this regard was issued by the Chinese authorities to traders earlier this week.In recent months, India had raised with China its concerns on the ban on imports of agricultural products, including basmati rice, fruits and vegetables.

2.   

Germany resumes import of grapes after two years

After blocking the import of Indian table grapes for two years, Germany has resumed placing orders to Indian exporters after the issue was resolved at a meeting with the authorities in Berlin in February.Indian exporters have started despatching consignments and, in fact, around 120 containers (1,440 metric tonnes) of grapes have been exported so far to Germany.

3.   

Maharashtra plans five-year export promotion programme with the assistance of APEDA

The Maharashtra government plans to chalk out a five-year export promotion programme especially for grapes with the assistance of the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority of India (APEDA).The programme will include activities like increasing grape export markets, exploring new markets and upgrading infrastructure like pack- houses.

4.   

Good market for Indian grapes in Holland

The demand for Indian grapes is good at the moment. "Sales of mix-punnets were non-existent for a while, but are doing a little better now. The sale of punnets is doing well and sales of grapes in small bags are really doing well" Ron Beijer of Independent Fruit Trade from Waddinxveen, Holland says. "The weather is not even favourable, but the market is doing well with the Indian grapes."