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Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Global retail giant to source agri products from Meghalaya
Shillong: A high-level eight-member delegation from Lulu Group International, led by Salim MA, director, Global Operations, visited Meghalaya for a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening international market linkages for the state's agricultural products, reports Manosh Das. The visit follows the signing of a MoU between Lulu Group International and the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in Nov 2023 at World Food India, New Delhi. Over the past two years, MSAMB has facilitated the export of GI-tagged Khasi mandarin, pineapple and ginger through both air and sea routes. The delegation held a meeting with CM Conrad K Sangma, minister for agriculture and farmers' welfare, Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, and officials here on Monday.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Global retail company Lulu Group explores strategic sourcing from Meghalaya
A high-level eight-member delegation from Lulu Group International , led by Salim M.A., Director, Global Operations, visited Meghalaya for a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening international market linkages for the state's agricultural products. The visit follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lulu Group International and the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in November 2023 at World Food India, New Delhi, facilitated by APEDA. Over the past two years, MSAMB has proactively facilitated the export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and Ginger through both air and sea routes. The delegation held an official meeting with the Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, and senior secretaries from the Department. The Chief Minister assured the delegation of full government support in maximizing this partnership. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Meghalaya's unique agro-climatic conditions and traditional practices to create a strong brand identity in global markets. 'Our focus is on ensuring maximum efficiency with the investments we make, so that the volume of products reaching international markets continues to grow,' said Conrad. 'As a government, we are fully committed to this partnership. Meghalaya is an agro-based society, and our produce, especially the GI-tagged and organic varieties, are unique to this region. These products have immense potential, and we are determined to take them to global platforms. Today, we are witnessing significant growth in production, organic certification, and farmer collectivization. A great deal of groundwork is already in motion, and we are building on that momentum to ensure long-term gains for our farmers,' he added. Live Events In recent years, the Government of Meghalaya has taken bold and innovative steps to establish direct export channels for the state's unique agricultural products, particularly those with Geographical Indication (GI) tags and certified organic status. In a pioneering move last year, the State Government facilitated the first-ever direct export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin to Dubai via air cargo from Guwahati Customs, effectively bypassing conventional routes like Mumbai's Sea ports and airports. This marked a breakthrough in agri-export logistics from the region, ensuring faster and more efficient transportation of perishable, high-value produce. Building on this success, direct exports of pineapple consignments were also initiated, with Air India Cargo managing the shipment directly from Guwahati. These interventions reflect the Government's strong commitment to streamlining export infrastructure and reducing turnaround times for both farmers and international buyers. To date, Meghalaya has successfully exported over 13 metric tons of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin and 10 metric tons of Pineapple to markets in the Middle East, reinforcing the state's reputation for high-quality and fresh produce. Further elevating Meghalaya's presence in international markets, the first-ever sea shipment of 15 metric tons of organic ginger was successfully dispatched to Dubai in March 2025, facilitated by the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in collaboration with the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company. This shipment showcased the scalability, traceability, and global readiness of Meghalaya's organic value chains. This initiative was not only a testament to the Government of Meghalaya's vision of integrating its farmers into global value chains but also helped lay the foundation for lasting trade relationships with major retail groups such as Lulu. The experience enabled farmers to better understand global consumer preferences, branding standards, and packaging benchmarks- key areas that are now being addressed in collaboration with Lulu Group and other partners. These strategic efforts reflect the broader goal of the state to create sustainable, high-value market opportunities for Meghalaya's farmers while positioning the state as a competitive player in the international organic and GI-tagged product space.
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Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Why did US reject 25 MT of mangoes? India alleges inspection lapse
India has raised concerns over the rejection of 15 mango consignments by the United States, alleging that American inspectors failed to follow standard inspection protocols. The procedural lapse reportedly led exporters to destroy mango shipments, causing considerable financial losses, according to a report by The Economic Times. Due to the perishable nature of mangoes and the high cost of returning shipments, exporters chose to destroy the rejected fruit, resulting in an estimated loss of $500,000 (₹4.2 crore), The Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), which operates one of the key irradiation facilities for mango exports in Mumbai, said on Tuesday: "Instead of discussing the matter with relevant agencies or notifying the facility beforehand, they (the inspectors) directly reported the alleged issues to their senior offices in the US, resulting in the rejection of the 15 consignments." US-bound shipments destroyed over documentation issues The rejected consignments — amounting to 25 metric tonnes from 10 exporters — had undergone irradiation at the MSAMB facility on May 8 and 9. According to MSAMB, the issue could have been resolved had the inspectors raised concerns with facility officials before issuing the necessary clearance document, PPQ203, required for mango exports to the US. Reports suggest that the affected shipments were held up at major US entry points, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta. The fruits had undergone mandatory irradiation, a pest elimination procedure monitored by a USDA-appointed inspector at the Navi Mumbai facility. Exports resume despite inspection setback Dosimeter readings — used to track radiation exposure levels—were not properly documented by facility staff during the inspection process, The Times of India reported. Despite the temporary setback, operations at the Mumbai irradiation facility have resumed. Between May 11 and May 18, mango exports from the Mumbai facility bounced back, with 53,072 boxes — equivalent to 185.75 metric tonnes — shipped to the US across 39 consignments, MSAMB reported. India currently uses three USDA-approved irradiation facilities for exporting mangoes to the United States, located in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad. Indian mango exports to US on the rise Despite the recent setback, Indian mango exports to the US have been expanding rapidly. In FY24, export value surged by 130 per cent to $10 million, compared to $4.36 million the previous year. Mango varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, Banganapalli, and Himayat have already secured market access in the US, along with North Indian varieties like Raspuri, Langra, Chausa, and Dasheri, which are also cleared for irradiation treatment. Governance framework behind mango exports India's mango export operations to the US are conducted under a Cooperative Service Agreement between the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The procedures are guided by an Irradiation Operational Work Plan, jointly developed by USDA-APHIS, India's National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) under the Ministry of Agriculture, and APEDA. The protocol involves sourcing mangoes from registered farms, processing them at APEDA- and NPPO-certified packhouses, treating them with hot water and fungicide, and finally irradiating them at USDA-certified facilities.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘Instead of discussing the matter...': Row erupts over India's mango exports rejection; authorities say US inspectors did not follow protocol
Various mango varieties, such as Alphonso, Kesar, Banganapalli and Himayat, have gained access to the US market. (AI image) The US rejecting mango consignments from India has led to exporters destroying the fruits resulting in big losses , and Indian authorities have alleged that America did not follow the standard procedure. After Indian authorities faced rejection of 15 mango consignments by the US due to procedural issues, they have said that US inspectors failed to adhere to the established protocol. Various mango varieties, such as Alphonso, Kesar, Banganapalli and Himayat, have gained access to the US market. Additionally, northern Indian varieties including Raspuri, Langra, Chausa, and Dasheri are successfully undergoing irradiation treatment for export purposes. The value of Indian mango exports to the United States has shown significant growth, increasing by 130% to $10 million in FY24, compared to $4.36 million in 2022-23. M by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Every Car Is Equipped With One, But Very Few People Know About It (2) Cleverst Undo aharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), a government organisation operating an irradiation facility in Mumbai, issued a statement on Tuesday stating: "Instead of discussing the matter with relevant agencies or notifying the facility beforehand, they (the inspectors) directly reported the alleged issues to their senior offices in the US, resulting in the rejection of the 15 consignments." Also Read | Forced to destroy! US rejects 15 mango shipments from India, exporters estimate losses of $500,000 The statement also indicated that the losses could have been prevented if the US inspectors had raised concerns with facility officials before issuing PPQ203, which is required for US-bound mangoes. The state organisation confirmed that US authorities had declined 25 metric tonnes of mangoes from 10 exporters, all of which underwent irradiation on May 8 and 9. ET had reported the rejection of Indian mango shipments at several American airports, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Atlanta. The mango shipments underwent mandatory irradiation treatment at the MSAMB facility in Navi Mumbai, where fruits were subjected to controlled radiation doses for pest elimination. This process was monitored by a USDA-appointed officer. Several government officials reported that the staff members on duty allegedly did not properly document the dosimeter measurements. A senior MSAMB official, requesting anonymity, confirmed that an investigation had been launched to identify the issues. Also Read | Big hit for Indians in the US! How Donald Trump's steps to curb migration, tax remittances may cost India billions of dollars Indian mango exporters currently have three facilities available for treating US-bound shipments, situated in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. A New Delhi official told the financial daily that the Mumbai facility's irradiation operations had resumed normal functioning after the temporary interruption caused by the data recording issue. The official stated, "While the error and its cause are being examined at the senior level by the facility management, the mango irradiation process and its clearance were normalised at the impacted facility with effect from May 10, with no impact on the other two approved facilities." MSAMB reported that from May 11 to May 18, exports resumed their regular pace, with 53,072 boxes (185.75 metric tonnes) of mangoes shipped to the US across 39 consignments from the Mumbai facility. The export operations are conducted under a Cooperative Service Agreement between APEDA and the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The export protocol and operational guidelines are governed by the Irradiation operational work plan, jointly established by USDA-APHIS, the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and APEDA as the Co-operator. The process involves sourcing mangoes from registered farms, processing them at approved APEDA and NPPO packhouses, treating them with hot water fungicide, and finally irradiating them at USDA-certified facilities. Also Read | Why India can be a big winner of Donald Trump 2.0 era if it plays its cards right Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mango Row: Maharashtra govt agency alleges US inspectors skipped standard procedures
Pune | New Delhi: Following rejection of 15 consignments of Indian mangoes by the US due to procedural lapses, the Indian authorities have claimed that the American inspectors did not follow the protocol. "Instead of discussing the matter with relevant agencies or notifying the facility beforehand, they (the inspectors) directly reported the alleged issues to their senior offices in the US, resulting in the rejection of the 15 consignments," Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), a government arm housing an irradiation facility in Mumbai, said in a statement on Tuesday. It further said that had the American inspectors flagged the issues to facility officials prior to issuing PPQ203-a mandatory document for US-bound mangoes-"the losses could have been avoided." Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your IQ Is 140 If You Can Answer 10 Of These Questions Correctly IQ International Undo The state agency also confirmed that the US authorities had rejected a total of 25 metric tonnes of mangoes from 10 exporters-all irradiated on May 8 and 9. ET was first to report about the rejection of Indian mango shipments in multiple American airports including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Atlanta. Live Events The affected mango consignments were irradiated- a mandatory treatment that exposes the fruit to controlled doses of radiation to eliminate pests- at the MSAMB-operated facility in Navi Mumbai. The process was carried out under the supervision of an officer deputed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). According to multiple government sources, the executives on duty allegedly failed to properly record the dosimeter readings. "We have initiated an inquiry to determine what went wrong," said a senior MSAMB official, speaking on condition of anonymity. At present, mango exporters in India have access to three irradiation facilities located in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai for treating US-bound consignments. Meanwhile, the irradiation operations in Mumbai have been normalised after the brief disruption due to a data recording error, an official in New Delhi said Tuesday. "While the error and its cause are being examined at the senior level by the facility management, the mango irradiation process and its clearance were normalised at the impacted facility with effect from May 10, with no impact on the other two approved facilities," the official said. Between May 11 and May 18, around 53,072 boxes (185.75 metric tonnes) of mangoes were exported to the US in 39 consignments from the Mumbai facility, MSAMB has said, indicating that exports have since returned to normal. These mangoes, including Alphonso, Kesar, Banganapalli and Himayat are now being sold in the US market. Northern varieties such as Raspuri, Langra, Chausa, and Dasheri are also being irradiated and exported successfully. India's mango exports to the US have risen 130% to $10 million in FY24 from $4.36 million in 2022-23. The exports of mangoes to the US are done under the Cooperative Service Agreement between APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) and the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The actual procedure and the terms and conditions for operationalising mango exports come under the purview of the Irradiation operational work plan signed between USDA-APHIS, the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and APEDA, as the Co-operator. As per the work plan, procurement of mangoes is done from registered farms, which are then graded and sorted at APEDA and NPPO-recognised packhouses, then followed by fungicidal treatment of hot water and finally irradiated at USDA approved irradiation facilities.
