Risk analysis mooted

 
Published: Monday 15 April 2002

there is a looming threat from foreign fruits flooding Indian markets as they bring pests with them, say agriculture experts who are urging the government to conduct a risk analysis before allowing free imports.

These experts have flayed the double standards of the exporting countries who, while banning the import of Indian products, are selling their fruits in India.

"Countries such as China, Australia and the US have banned Indian mangoes though we have furnished them with all relevant pest analysis information," said a senior government official, adding, "there can be no double standards. If other countries can impose restrictions on grounds of pest risk, India should also run a risk analysis before allowing imports of agriculture products." It is alleged that the government has not taken any action against the importing countries despite evidence about the harm to domestic apples from imported varieties.

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