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New Delhi. Amid trade tensions between India and Nepal, the Nepal government has decided to ban the import of Indian mangoes. The reasons behind this move are reportedly being said to be the high quantity of pesticides and lack of adequate quarantine facilities in the border areas. However, the policy of promoting locally grown fruits is also being linked to this decision.

According to reports, the Nepal government has shown strictness on the import of such Indian mangoes in which the quantity of pesticides was found to be more than the prescribed standards. Officials say that this decision has been taken due to inadequate quality check and quarantine system in the border areas.

Increased activity in local markets

After the ban on entry of Indian mangoes, the availability of locally produced mangoes has increased in many markets including Janakpurdham of Nepal. However, fruit traders say that problems in business are increasing due to supply chain being affected.

The demand for mangoes in Nepal is very high during the summer season and traders believe that it will not be easy to meet the needs of the entire market by relying only on domestic production.

Traders expressed concern

Local traders say that promoting domestic products may be the right step, but suddenly stopping imports without a long-term plan may create imbalance in the market. He argues that local production of mango in Nepal is for a limited period, whereas Indian imports play an important role in meeting the demand throughout the year.

Traders associated with the Fruit and Vegetable Traders Association of Janakpurdham have warned that if the ban continues for a long time, there may be a shortage of mangoes in the market and a rise in prices may be seen.

Demand to strengthen the quarantine system

Traders have suggested that instead of imposing a complete ban, the government should strengthen the quarantine and quality check system. He says that after checking the quality of Indian fruits, import can be allowed in a controlled manner.

Giving an example, he said that earlier after the supply of Indian bananas was affected, an increase in prices was seen. In such a situation, due to a long ban on mangoes, consumers may have to pay higher prices.

Japan also banned Indian mangoes

Meanwhile, Japan had also recently banned some consignments of Indian mangoes. Japanese authorities had cited failure to meet pest control and “vapour heat treatment” (VHT) standards. This has created a new challenge for Indian exporters regarding quality standards.

Experts believe that to maintain competitiveness in the international market, the quality, packaging and pest control standards of Indian fruits will need to be further strengthened.

Traders and consumers are keeping an eye on what impact Nepal’s decision will have on the market, prices and India-Nepal fruit trade in the coming days.