Mango exports from India to the US are expected to expand with irradiation facilities in different parts of the country. India’s mango varieties Kesar, Alphonso and Banganappale are expected to get a boost the coming season that runs from April through July.
India is aiming to expand its footprint in mango exports to high value markets including the United States, Japan, South Korea and European countries.
Trades sources said while India exported around 1000 tonnes of mangoes to the US last year where they are sold at premium rates up to $9 per kilogram.
Currently, mangoes exported to the US undergo an irradiation process, which kills insects or pesticides inside the fruit while countries such Japan and South Korea seek imports of fruits which have undergone vapour heat treatment and hot water treatment for eliminating presence of pests.
The exports of mangoes were halted in 2020 and 2021 as inspectors from the United States department of agriculture (USDA) could not visit India for inspection of irradiation facilities due to travel restrictions because of Covid19.
Last year, India exported mangoes to Japan for the first time this season while shipment to South Korea resumed after two years.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA) has assisted state government agencies in setting up vapour heat treatment facilities in Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Vashi (Maharashtra), Nuzvid and Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh).
“We have identified more than 50 countries to promote and facilitate mango exports of unique and Geographically Identified (GI) identified varieties,” M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA, told FE.
India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes, followed by China. However, it exports less than one per cent mainly because of lack of sea container protocol and air freights are expensive. Uniqueness of Indian mangoes is its sweetness and smaller size.
In 2021-22, the United Arab Emirates (44%), United Kingdom (22%), Qatar (7%), Oman (6%), Kuwait (5%), had 84% share in India’s value of fresh mango exports.
Source: Financial Express