In India, Andhra Pradesh is set to export approximately 10,000 metric tons of Baneshan mangoes, primarily to Gulf and South Asian markets. The use of paper covers has been instrumental in achieving this export volume. These covers, provided by horticulture authorities, are offered to mango farmers at a subsidized rate of $0.02 per cover, reducing exposure to infections, pests, and environmental factors such as sun, rain, and wind.
The protective method has resulted in higher quality fruit, fetching prices between $843 and $ 965 per ton, compared to the average $301 per ton. The paper covers facilitate the growth of larger mangoes, reaching weights of 600–700 grams, compared to the typical 300–400 grams.
This season, paper covers have been distributed for 40,000 metric tons of mangoes, sourced from districts including Krishna, West Godavari, Anantapur, and Chittoor. Andhra Pradesh cultivates several mango varieties across approximately 300,000 hectares, with an annual yield of 4 million metric tons—up from 3 million metric tons in the previous year. The Baneshan variety, in particular, is cultivated statewide, while Rasalu varieties are concentrated in Krishna, East, and West Godavari districts.
The export potential for Baneshan mangoes is limited to 0.1 percent due to a shelf life of only 10 days and a cold storage duration of the same period. Despite high demand in 40 countries, including the Gulf, Singapore, and Malaysia, exports to Europe face challenges due to stringent quality requirements and high air freight costs. Baneshan mangoes require 105–110 days to harvest, with 100 days needed to meet export quality standards, yielding an average price of $301 per ton.
Recent weather events, particularly rainfall and gales, have affected approximately 1,000 hectares of mango crops, notably in Tiruvuru, Mylavaram, and Reddyguem in the Krishna district. Horticulture Joint Director (Fruits) Deva Muni Reddy noted, "The paper covers helped to get quality Baneshan mangoes of a big size. We target an export of 10,000mt, with an expectation to get more than 50 percent higher price."
Source: Deccan Chronicle