India, a prominent mango exporter, is initiating a protocol for transporting mangoes by sea to international markets, a strategy aimed at preserving quality and minimizing spoilage losses.
Having conducted successful sea protocol trials with bananas and pomegranates shipped to Rotterdam in the Netherlands and the Commonwealth of Independent States, India witnesses the potential of this approach. Sudhanshu, secretary of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), noted these findings during a conference on agri-exports, as reported by Mint.
"Now we are developing sea protocols for mangoes, which will boost the export of the fruit," he stated.
Apeda collaborates with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to devise this protocol for mango exports. This effort aligns with the government's strategy to establish sea protocols for exporting fresh produce, encompassing fruits and vegetables, to remote markets at reduced costs, as highlighted by Sudhanshu.
The protocols aim to ensure optimal conditions for fresh produce during sea transportation, addressing factors like harvesting timing, maturity, temperature control, and ripening at the destination.
Choosing sea freight over air freight presents a cost-effective alternative, enabling larger shipment quantities. According to Ekram Husain, vice-president of the VAFA Fresh Vegetables and Fruits Exporters Association (Maharashtra), "The U.S. is emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets for Indian mangoes. The freight charges for exporting 700 kg of mangoes to the U.S. by air are almost similar to sending 14-15 tonnes of mangoes through the sea route."
Additionally, sea transportation incurs an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) compared to 5% for sea shipments.
India's mango exports stood at $56.34 million in FY25, a 6.3% decrease from $60.14 million in FY24. Husain suggested that shipping mangoes by sea could enhance exports to countries like the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, and Japan, benefiting Indian farmers. India produces 40% of the world's mangoes, leading globally, but also caters to substantial domestic demand. Key mango-growing states include Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Telangana, and West Bengal.
On another note, Apeda is working with research entities to extend the shelf life of litchis, a highly perishable fruit. India ranks as the second-largest litchi producer, following China. Bihar leads as India's chief litchi producer with a 40%+ share. Efforts aim to extend litchi shelf life from 4-5 days to 15 days, broadening their availability domestically and internationally.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, agriculture minister, emphasized addressing litchi's short shelf life during a meeting with Bihar litchi farmers on June 2. He urged ICAR scientists to find solutions that could prolong the fruit's shelf life, ensuring farmers receive fair pricing.
Source: mint
