Himalayan News Service

New Delhi, April 30:

The king of fruits, mango, is all set to conquer China and enlist yet another overseas market — after Europe and the Middle East — as its dedicated export destination. China could begin receiving commercial shipments of mangoes as early as next month, with New Delhi allaying Beijing’s apprehensions over pest infestation and packaging. A Chinese delegation, which was here earlier this month to visit mango orchards in different parts of the country, had expressed satisfaction with the heat water treatment facility in India for dealing with infestations. “The delegation, which was here last week for a fortnight to inspect mango orchards and packaging offices, was quite happy with the arrangements for heat water treatment for tackling the fruit fly and other pest infestations,” said K S Money, chairman of state-owned Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority (APEDA). “The technical team would be submitting their report to China’s agriculture quarantine department and expect to grant us approval for commercial supplies in a month’s time,” said Money.