28 September 2009 - Peanut shipments nosedived 94 percent to the European Union (EU) in the first five months of the current financial year (April-March). This is due to exporters? strict adherence to quality norms intended to raise the Indian commodity to global standards.
During the five-month period ending August, total peanut shipments to the EU fell to 758 tons from 12,051 tons in the corresponding period last year.
India exports 250,000-275,000 tons of peanuts of which 12 percent are exported to EU. About 90 per cent of the peanuts shipped to the EU are used for direct human consumption while 10 per cent are consumed as a mix for bird food.
The Indian exporters lowered their overseas supplies amid apprehension that the consignments might be rejected if the commodity does not meet global standards.