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Indian pomegranates to soon hit Aussie supermarkets, says top official
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Thursday, 24 September, 2020, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ranjana Sharma, Mumbai
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Indian pomegranates will soon arrive at Australian supermarkets for the first time, as stated by Australia’s High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell.
This follows the completion of an import protocol for fresh pomegranate fruit from India following an import risk assessment involving significant cooperation and discussions between Indian and Australian authorities.
This increasing demand for pomegranates is because of its use in cooking shows and restaurants, which can be partly met by India's exports, said Barry O'Farrell in an official statement. He commented, “While Australia already produces pomegranates, India is well placed as one of the world’s largest pomegranate producers to meet shortfalls in the Australian market.”
In India, Maharashtra is the largest producer of pomegranate with its share of 62% in total production followed by Gujarat 16% and Karnataka 9%, Andhra Pradesh 5% and Madhya Pradesh 4%.
While speaking with FnB News, Bhatiya from Asar Brothers said, "We are still awaiting protocols officially so that we can go ahead with that kind of procurement. We have to approach APEDA, they are the current body preparing the report on all the requirements for exports of pomegranates, they will give us specification."
He added, “But as per country specification concerned, the protocols will be set by the APEDA and since it is Covid we have not been given proper approval. We are in no operation but we would like to hear officially for how to go ahead because this is set by government norms.”
Talking about production of pomegranates, he said, “Production is too huge but the only issue is whether we are going to get that kind of quality”.
India exported fruits and vegetables worth Rs 9,182 crore which consisted of fruits worth Rs 4,832 crore and vegetables worth Rs 4,350 crore during 2019-20 as mentioned in Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The High Commissioner informed, “This two-way agricultural trade can benefit India, as well as the consumers, can enjoy Australian walnuts, almonds and beer.”
Meanwhile, “The Australian consumers can enjoy pomegranates of course, but at the same time Indian mangoes and table grapes as well. It will also provide a livelihood to the Australians while benefiting the economies of both countries”, he added.
However, biosecurity conditions must be met by Australian importers, requiring Indian exporters to work with their customers and Indian export authorities.
Import conditions can be found on the Australian Government’s Biosecurity Import Conditions Database.
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