Mango exports have picked up, with more than 500 tonne finding their way to markets in Europe, senior officials of the State Horticulture Department said.
Mango prices have fallen by nearly half compared to last month, with farmers from different states looking to sell their stock before the monsoon begins.
The production of mangoes in Maharashtra was initially low, because of unseasonal rains, but as the weather gets warmer, the produce is getting better, traders said.
According to earlier estimates given by the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), mango exports could be to the tune of 30-40% because of rains.
Last year, mango exports touched 41,230 tonne. This year, there have been restrictions from other countries in addition to the vagaries of the weather, officials said. Besides the Alphonso, the Kesar and other mango varieties from Karnataka and Banganapalli from Andhra Pradesh are also finding export markets. The export season should continue till the end of June, officials said.
In addition to Europe, other markets have opened up. While Mauritius has already granted market access to Indian mangoes subject to phytosanitary certification, Switzerland has also lifted the ban on Indian mangoes. A delegation for South Korea recently visited Mumbai and was satisfied with the quality. However, we are waiting for final approval.
According to Sudhansu, who holds charge of the western region of Apeda, the Japanese quarantine inspector is expected to visit Mumbai on June 9 to inspect the available facilities.
Indian exporters will now have to give their products ‘hot water treatment’ before exporting them to the European market. NPPO has made it mandatory for mangoes to undergo this treatment before they are given phytosanitary certificates. At least three tonne of mangoes are being treated at the vapour heat treatment facility on a daily basis.
For Updates Check Commodity News; follow us on Facebook and Twitter