Russia could import up to 500,000 metric tons of bananas from India, according to the country’s phytosanitary watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor. The agency, responsible for approving imports of agricultural products, stated that India may expand its banana exports to the Russian market.
In a press release, Rosselkhoznadzor said that Russia is ready to receive approximately 300,000–500,000 tons of Indian bananas per year. The statement followed a meeting between Rosselkhoznadzor head Sergei Dankvert and representatives of India’s Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the potential to increase mutual agricultural trade, including shrimp and fish exports from India to Russia, as well as access for other Indian fruits and vegetables. “We also highlighted the possibility of India increasing its banana exports to Russia. Rosselkhoznadzor is interested in the geographic diversification of the countries supplying these fruits to Russia. Russia is ready to receive approximately 300,000–500,000 tons of Indian bananas per year,” the press statement said.
The agency noted that India is the world’s largest banana producer, with an annual output of about 33 million tons. The statement added that “considering mutual interest, the parties agreed to continue technical consultations between the competent authorities on October 16 on phytosanitary issues, including requirements for banana exports.”
Earlier, President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to take measures to address trade imbalances with India ahead of his scheduled visit to New Delhi in early December.