Japan Suspends Indian Mango Imports Over Pest-Control Concerns
Japan has suspended mango imports from India due to lapses in pest-control procedures found during inspections at Indian treatment facilities. This suspension affects premium Indian mango varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, Langra, and Banganapalli. The ban, the first in 20 years, comes after Japanese quarantine officials identified deficiencies in the Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) process, which is crucial for disinfecting mangoes before export. The suspension disrupts exports during the peak summer mango season, impacting Indian farmers already facing crop losses due to extreme weather conditions.