India asks Germany to import mango, banana & citrus fruits

India today asked Germany to consider importing mango, banana and citrus fruits and also explore bilateral cooperation in storage of veggies and farm mechanisation.
The issue was discussed in a meeting between German Ambassador Michael Stiener and Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh here, an official release said.
Highlighting areas of bilateral cooperation that the two nations can explore in agriculture sector, Singh said, "Germany can think over import of mango, banana and citrus family fruits from India."
Since Germany is a producer of fruits and vegetables and other agriculture crops, there is a possibility for exchange of views on development of seeds and planting of these crops.

Cooperation can also be in storage of potato, mango, citrus family crops as also mechanization in horticulture sector, he added.
Noting that agriculture has to be made a profitable venture, the German Ambassador said both the countries can work closely in this direction.

He expressed hope that India and Germany will work together in the field of food processing, energy and food security.
The Ambassador invited Agriculture Minister to participate in a conference to be held in January next year in Germany.
Separately, Manipur Animal Husbandry and Industry Minister K Govind Das called on Singh and demanded expediting a proposal for setting up of farm for pigs in Churachandpur and surveillance facility for disease control in animals.

The Manipur minister raised the issue of conservation of breed of pony specific to Manipur for Polio sport, which is nearing extinction.
The Union Agriculture Minister assured him that necessary technical assistance for surveillance for disease control in animals and proposals for release of funds would be expedited, the statement said.