New Delhi, Nov. 11 -- New Zealand plans to allow the import of fresh table grapes from India for the first time. The development is seen as a major boost for Indian grape growers, especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka, which together account for nearly 95% of India's total grape production.

In an email reply to Mint, Shane Olsen, acting director for Import and Export Standards at New Zealand's ministry for primary industries (MPI), confirmed the development and said that New Zealand is currently consulting on a draft Import Health Standard (IHS) to enable these imports.

The move comes as both countries advance discussions on a free trade agreement (FTA), with four rounds of negotiations already completed.

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