India, Pak await US nod for mango exports

AGRI-COMMODIGIES

Both India and Pakistan are gearing up for exporting mangoes to the US after getting clearance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). With a wider variety of mangoes, Indian traders would have an edge over their Pakistani counterparts.

However, Pakistani exporters could have the advantage of lower freight charges enabling them to sell at lower rates.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) would set up a radiation facility for treatment of mangoes before they are exported to the United States from next year.

Apeda, a body under the Ministry of Commerce, is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre for setting up the facility. Radiation is used for disinfecting and improving the shelf life of fruits like mangoes and banana.

" Importers in the US have demanded radiation of mangoes before we export them. The new facility would be set up at an investment of about Rs 10 crore", said K S Money, chairman, Apeda.

Commercially, there would be no immediate gains from export of mangoes to the US but in the long run it would grow into a big market, said Money. Apeda is also in talks with Australia for exporting mangoes.

Major export markets for Indian mangoes are Bangladesh, West Asia, South East Asia, UK and other European countries. During the year 2004-05, export of fresh mangoes has been to the tune of 52,000 tonne worth Rs 87 crore and in the year 2005-06, the export has been to the tune of 58,000 tonne worth Rs 95 crore.

India is the largest producer of mango in the world, with an estimated annual production of 12 million tonne against the total world production of 24 million tonne. The mango season in India is mainly from February to August.