Japan restricted the import of Indian mangoes due to its zero-tolerance policy for fruit flies. This has severely affected Indian mango farmers, as mango exports to Japan are banned for varieties such as Alphonso, Langra, Kesar and Banganapalli.
Exporters Under Pressure
Indian Mango exporters said that the mango import restriction is a major setback as they get a good price for the Indian mangoes in Japan. Every year, India produces 28 million metric tonnes of mangoes, making it the world's largest producer of mangoes. Exports to the Japanese market bring huge profits for traders and farmers.
Vapour Heat Treatment is a process where mangoes are exposed to controlled temperature and humid air conditions to kill fruit fly larvae. This is compulsory under the export agreement between India and Japan. This year, Japanese officials visited the VHT center in UP and found some technical issues in the disinfection and fumigation process at the VHT center, due to which Japan has announced that no mango shipments after 25 March 2026 will be accepted. Maharashtra farmers are under pressure as there is already 90 percent crop loss due to harsh weather conditions, and now this will add more loss to their earnings.
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