ICCK

After a hiatus of three years, India will resume export of curry leaves to the European Union. The exports will now entail quality checks including lab tests and Agmark certification, as mandated by the EU.

In 2013, the EU had banned importing curry leaves from India, citing concerns related to high pesticide residue. It had later stipulated that exports must be accompanied by results of sampling and analysis and by a health certificate verified by authorised representatives.

"A quality check system was needed for curry leaves exports. Exports will begin soon but they would be preceded by good agricultural practices and lab tests before getting shipped to the EU," said an official privy to the details.

The official added that the agriculture ministry is in the process of notifying the standards, which will also endorse the leaves with the Agmark certification.

The standards have been made for appearance, cleanliness and damage caused by pests, among other criteria.

India exports almost 1.2 lakh kg of curry leaves to the EU. The EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed had issued warnings on food contamination to India, claiming that the curry leave consignments had multiple pesticide residue.

Though these leaves are a not a heavy item in India's export basket and is part of the 'assorted vegetables' group, the government's fears stemmed from the fact that the EU could ban other vegetables being exported in the common containers.

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