UP to launch mango brand

The Uttar Pradesh government will launch a mango brand "Nawab" at the international exhibition, starting on July 16 in New Delhi.

The move is aimed marketing mangoes in the domestic and international markets in a big way. The government is also planning to hold mango shows in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai.

This was part of a drive to find new markets for the horticulture produce and to gear up the food processing industry in the state, said Anil Swarup, secretary (food processing).

UP has steadily built its mango exports over the last few years. From almost negligible exports in 2000, mango exports went up to 150 tonnes in 2003. The government hopes to export around 300 tonnes mangoes this year. To encourage exports, the government has extended a 25 per cent or Rs 10 a kg transport subsidy, whichever is less, to exporters.

The government has set up two mango export parks in Saharanpur and Lucknow. Packaging houses have also been set up there.

To maintain quality, primary grading and packaging was started last year in these parks. Farmers are also being trained to improve the quality of their produce.