Betel leaf export to EU resumes following 6 years
After an extended six-and-a-half years, betel leaf export to europe has resumed carrying out a recent lifting of its ban, with the initially consignment of one metric tonne being sent off for the uk yesterday.
Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque sent off the consignment through a good programme titled "Safe and sound and Top quality Betel Leaf Export to European countries" at a Central Packing House of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Shyampur of Dhaka.
In February 2014, the EU imposed a ban on betel leaf exports from Bangladesh till June 30, 2015 because of the presence of harmful Salmonella bacteria in the leaves.
In addition they set some circumstances, including supplying Salmonella free betel leaf and providing associated health certificates and following good agricultural, hygiene and production practices from production to shipment.
The restriction was slowly but surely extended to 2020 as Bangladesh cannot meet the conditions.
The ban was withdrawn on May 15 based on some conditions after Bangladesh sent records verifying meeting the prior conditions.
The new conditions include resumption of the ban if anomalies were uncovered, that 50 % of the leaves would be checked for Salmonella and that each shipment be provided with health certificates from international-standard testing labs.
The ban brought on Bangladesh to lose the ability of exporting betel leaf to 29 countries, reducing import earnings to $1.90 million (2019-2020) from $29.48 million (2013-2014).
Addressing yesterday's programme when chief guest, Razzaque explained the recent developments provided hope and had been very critical and that the ministry would definitely continue making sure unhindered export of betel leaves.
He said the export resumption would permit Bangladesh to earn round $50 million each year.
"Since we earn $40 to 45 billion from overall exports, $50 million is quite little. But jointly we export $900 million worth of agricultural goods, which is quite significant," he said.
Razzaque said there is a lot of prospect of agricultural merchandise export and initiatives were underway to increase shipments to developed countries, including Europe.
"Work has already began to implement an excellent agricultural practice policy found in the country. Non-toxic vegetables are being produced from coast to coast through integrated pest operations. Accredited labs will be issuing certifications," he added.
The event was organised by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh Fruits Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters Association and Organization Advertising Council of the Ministry of Commerce.
Shamsul Alam, more director of Plant Quarantine Wing of the DAE, and the association's adviser Manjurul Islam presented a paper highlighting the context of secure and top quality betel production and export.
