As blueberries gain traction among health-conscious consumers in India, the Union agriculture ministry has issued a directive requiring that blueberries imported from Poland be sourced from orchards registered with the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of Poland. This move aims to ensure the safety and pest-free status of the imported fruit.
The phytosanitary certificates accompanying these blueberries must carry a declaration stating that the fruit is free from acalitus vaccinii (blueberry bud mites pest) and pseudomonas viridiflava (blossom blight disease). This requirement is part of the measures to protect local crops from potential risks associated with pests and diseases inherent to imported blueberries.
The NPPO of Poland plays a crucial role in certifying that blueberries destined for export to India meet the established phytosanitary standards. This includes ensuring the fruit is devoid of specific pests and diseases before shipment. The NPPO functions at the national level to prevent the spread of pests and safeguard agriculture. India, adhering to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, operates its plant protection measures through the Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine and Storage, under the Union ministry of agriculture.
Although the Indian market for blueberries is currently estimated at $60 million, it is witnessing growth due to the increasing awareness of the fruit's health benefits. The demand for blueberries in India is on the rise, with imports from the US, Canada, Poland, and Peru. Available primarily in supermarkets, gourmet stores, and through online retailers, blueberries cater to a niche yet expanding demographic focused on health and wellness.
Source: Livemint