Indian mango, cucumber and chilli pepper exporters have been warned by United Arab Emirates (UAE) government officials to tighten up pesticide residue levels on export consignments.

Amid concerns over the number of recent consignments above the acceptable limits, exporters of the three categories will have to supply a pesticide residue level report with each batch exported to UAE.

An advisory has been issued via the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for exporters to 'strongly adhere to the import requirements of the UAE' and not violate the stipulated conditions.

The UAE is India’s largest destination for mangoes, with more than 29,000 metric tons (MT) imported last year worth approximately US$35.7 million, according to APEDA statistics.

The alarm was raised by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and is being taken seriously, according to a spokesman from the the All Indian Mango Growers’ Association.

"There has been some talk about pesticide residue levels and that is obviously being taken on board by the exporters as the UAE is extremely important to the Indian mango sector all round," he tells www.freshfruitportal.com.

"People are working very hard to make sure there are no problems and we continue to supply UAE without cause for concern."

Meanwhile, the first consignment of mangoes will soon leave for Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, India’s second largest importer.

"The consignment is being prepared and June 9 marks the start of supply to Saudi Arabia.

"Right now, we have very few orders coming in from places like Dubai, but as soon as we do, we will supply. We are starting with Riyadh next week, and are planning our mangoes to the Gulf countries as usual."

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