Maharashtra State Agricultural Board (MSAMB) has decided to introduce Indian mangoes this season to Central Asian countries.
MSAMB general manager D D Shinde told The Indian Express they planned promotional events with Indian Embassies in these countries. Other than this, the US phytosanitary inspector was expected to arrive on April 10, marking the start of exports to the country.
The current season has put some doubts about the availability of mangoes in the country. Unusually high February temperatures followed by rains and hailstorms in March have seen farmers complain about the availability of quality fruit.
However, this season, Kesar, the produce of Marathwada, is expected to arrive earlier than usual. Alphonso or Hapus тАУ the priced produce of the Konkan coast of Maharashtra тАУ can suffer from a lower-than-usual production.
The last financial year saw Indian exporters ship out 32,745 tonnes of the fruit. Most of the fruit is exported to Central Asian countries, while European Union countries and the US occupy essential shelves in the export basket.
In most countries, exporters send their consignment via air freight, which is both uncertain and costly. For the US, the air freight sometimes comes out more than the consignment cost at the US markets. Land and sea freight is comparatively lower, but given the perishable nature of the fruit, it has yet to be explored much.
Shinde said their decision to introduce Indian mangoes to Central Asian countries was to explore markets which can be served by road and ship freight. тАЬWe are in talks with Indian Embassies to hold promotional events there,тАЭ he said. This season, some of the exporters are also in talks with their trade counterparts in the US to explore sea freight.
As per protocol, shipments to the US are made under the supervision of the inspector. Exports to the US start once the inspector arrives. Australia, New Zealand and JapanтАЩs export season will also begin soon.
The MSAMB runs a massive export facilitation centre in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, which exporters use to treat their consignments before shipping. Countries have their protocol, including vapour heat treatment, irradiation (exposing the consignment to weak radioactive rays) and hot water treatment.
