New Delhi, May 2 (KNN)  The European Union (EU) has banned mangoes imported from India after authorities in Brussels found consignments infested with fruit flies.  It is feared that the insects could damage EU's salad crops.
 
The move has sparked uproar from retailers and mango lovers.  While this is likely to impact Mango cultivators in India and US businesses, it could also cause considerable damage to trade relations between India and UK, media reports said.
 
Commenting on the ban, President, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) M Rafeeque Ahmed called for an early lifting of ban.
 
The decision was communicated in mid of March and government of India has introduced new mechanism for export of Mangoes from 1st of April, 2014, which takes care of EU concern and thus EU should revisit the matter and lift the ban, he said.
 
The FIEO Chief said that exports of mangoes are allowed only through recognized pack houses under the vigilance of Plant Protection Authority, which takes care of phytosanitary issues through consignment only exported through pack houses.
 
He pointed to the fact that a long period of ban can affect two mango seasons and hurt farmers badly.   (KNN/ES)