The European Union (EU) has stopped grape imports from India saying it has found excessive chemicals in them.
Around 40,000 tonnes grapes worth Rs 300 crore shipped to various European countries were halted as they exceeded the maximum residue level of a chemical contaminant.
More than 90 per cent of grapes are from Maharahstra and the balance from Andhra Pradesh. The Grape Growers Federation suspects imposition of non-tariff barriers by the EU to protect its farmers and has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda).
“So far, the EU has already rejected 3,000 containers of the total 4,200 containers that were shipped from India. Indian grapes generally reach Europe between March 15 and May 15. Those 3,000 containers are currently lying at various ports. Grapes from 1,000 containers were sold before it was found that they contained lihocin residue (chlorocholine chloride or CCC) which is a growth plant retardant. There is no alternative but to dump these grapes,” said Sopan Kanchan, president of the Grape Growers Federation.
Kanchan said that grapes were shipped after being tested according to the Apeda guidelines. But he added that grapes with higher level of lihocin residue came to notice only after revealations by some super markets.
“However, exporters want to know whether the rejection is a non-tariff barrier. Exporters want that the issue should be taken by the Indian government and Apeda,” he added.
Informed sources said the issue was discussed at a meeting between exporters and commerce ministry officials.
“The commerce ministry has assured to take up the issue with EU representatives for an early solution,” said a source.
EU website has clarified that third country suppliers must ensure that shipments of fruits and vegetables to the EU meet the maximum residue norms set by it.
Although no certificate is required, the produce is subject to random testing at the point of entry, distribution and sale. If violations are detected at the point of entry, the shipment is liable to be rejected and destroyed at the exporters expense.
If detected further down chain, the level of action will depend on the severity of non-compliance.
In Nasik alone, there are 18 lakh boxes (4 kg) of grapes lying in cold storages. The problem need to be addressed quickly otherwise it would hamper the domestic sale price of grapes. Mangoes have a bumper crop this year, so in May, there would be less demand for grapes in domestic markets.
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