Export demand for Indian Alphonso mango drops by 40%
Several factors have contributed to the falling export demand — quality issues in some mangoes due to irradiation, Europe and Gulf countries being faced with a glut of mangoes from exporting countries other than India, as well as the delay faced by Indian exporters in seeking government approval for mango treatment facilities, among others.
City-based Mandar Desai, who owns a 700-acre mango plantation in Ratnagiri discussed the cause for the quality drop:
"Mango irradiation for export to the US has really come as a spoiler. As per this directive, mangoes have to be subjected to radiation at 52 degree C to 55 degree C before export. By the time the consignment reaches the US, the skin of some mangoes turns brown, which is not good for the brand. This is not only due to irradiation, but also high temperature in Ratnagiri from February this year," he said.
Desai added that another reason for the dip in the export of Alphonso mangoes is because of competitors in countries like Japan, Europe and Germany exporting mangoes to importing countries like the US.
source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
