Steps To Be Taken for Addressing the Issues Related to Non-Compliances Received from EU Pertaining to Fruit Fly Infestation in Mango and Various Other Fruits and Vegetables and Bosting Mango Exports in Upcoming Year

Abstract

Fruit flies (Bactrocera spp.) present a critical challenge to the horticultural sector in India, particularly in mango cultivation and export. These invasive pests cause significant losses—up to 40%—in fruits and vegetables both at the field and post-harvest stages. Their impact is especially concerning due to their polyphagous behavior, rapid reproduction, and adaptability, leading to stringent quarantine regulations by importing countries, including the European Union (EU), the USA, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. This paper outlines a comprehensive approach adopted by APEDA in collaboration with national and regional stakeholders to address non-compliances reported by the EU, especially pertaining to fruit fly infestation in mango exports. The measures include strengthening pest surveillance at the production level, enhancing packhouse compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary standards, capacity building through training and sensitization workshops, and promoting integrated pest management practices. Additionally, conformity checks throughout the export supply chain and targeted research collaborations with ICAR are emphasized to mitigate risks. Strategies for enhancing export competitiveness, such as promotional campaigns, wet sampling, and buyer-seller meets, are also discussed. The integrated approach aims to improve phytosanitary compliance, reduce export rejections, and increase the global market share of Indian mangoes.

Introduction

Fruit flies (Bactrocera spp.) are invasive pests causing significant losses (20-40%) in fruits and vegetables globally, threatening export markets due to their adaptability, high reproduction, and dispersal. Consequently, many importing countries classify them as quarantine pests and enforce strict protocols for export.

India follows stringent export regulations for mangoes and other susceptible crops to countries like Australia, the USA, Japan, South Korea, and the EU. These include treatments such as irradiation, vapor heat, hot water, inspection, and phytosanitary certification to meet quarantine requirements.

To control fruit fly infestations, India employs two main strategies: monitoring and control at the production level and strict management at packhouse level. Mango farms are registered with APEDA’s Mangonet portal for traceability and pest monitoring. APEDA organizes training workshops for farmers, exporters, and packhouse operators to promote integrated pest management and good agricultural practices.

Packhouses undergo audits to ensure compliance with export standards, including residue limits and proper treatment protocols. Non-compliant facilities lose certification until corrective actions are taken. APEDA also holds regular consultations and training sessions to streamline export processes and prevent pest contamination.

Future strategies include expanded training and sensitization programs for orchard and packhouse registration, surveillance, and pest control; increased research collaboration for pest-resistant varieties; and more rigorous conformity checks throughout the export supply chain to reduce non-compliance and protect India’s export reputation.

Additionally, APEDA plans promotional programs, international trade fairs with product sampling, and buyer-seller meets to enhance the global market presence and exports of Indian mangoes.

References

[1] APEDA. (2023). Mango Export Guidelines and Protocols. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. [2] ICAR. (2022). Assessment of Mango Varieties for Resistance to Fruit Fly Infestation. Indian Council of Agricultural Research Journal, 58(2), 134–141. [3] NIPHM. (2023). Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Fruit Flies in Major Horticultural Crops. National Institute of Plant Health Management. [4] NPPO India. (2024). Phytosanitary Certification and Export Audit Procedures. National Plant Protection Organization, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. [5] Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. (2022). Standard Operating Procedures for Export of Mangoes and Other Fruits to the EU. Government of India. [6] FAO. (2019). International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Sehreena Maqbool. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.