Column : Mangonomics

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: The ‘king of fruits’ is going places. It’s being exported to the US for the first time since 1989 through the sea-route.

India is home to around 60% of world production and over 1,000 different varieties of mangoes. But US exports were banned after pests like weevils and fruit flies were found in a consignment. The latest consignment of mangoes was treated at the irradiation facility of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Maharashtra to ensure that they are absolutely toxin-free. Such is the patronage commanded by Indian mangoes that there are reports of US consumers already making enquiries about them, ever since they heard of the sea-route opening up for mango trade.

Given that the mango has long been considered the choicest fruit by millions of Indians, it’s no surprise that the bulk of 13 million tonnes of annual production is consumed locally. But the fruit has also commanded a dominant position in the country’s Rs 30,000 crore-strong agriculture and processed food export basket—despite logistical bottlenecks like lack of cold storage chains and proper transportation. In 2007-08, India exported around 54,351 tonnes of fresh mangoes valued at around Rs 127.42 crore, slightly less than the previous year’s 79,061 tonnes valued at around Rs 141.94 crore. However, in 2008-09, India is again expected to export around 80,000 tonnes of mangoes, mostly to Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, UAE and Nepal—countries with large expatriate populations or which have been traditionally connected to India. In 2007-08, of the total exports of around 54, 000 tonnes, around 23,000 tonnes were to UAE, while 17,000 tonnes were to Bangladesh.

The government’s latest initiative to facilitate mango exports through the sea-route should open new markets for the fruit. But much will depend on how the recent dry spell impacts the standing crop in key mango growing states of AP, UP, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka. Or on the effect of the recent cyclone in West Bengal. Already, some estimates say that production could come down by 20% this year. If that happens, expect the ‘king of fruits’ to become dearer not only in India, but also worldwide, where it was slowly gaining its rightful place.