After US, Indian mangoes on their way to Japan

After the US, India has started exporting mangoes to Japan with the first consignment of one tonne of Banganpalli mangoes from Tirupati sent to Tokyo.

"India is exporting mangoes to Japan after a 20-year ban that was lifted for six varieties in June last year," Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh said.

The first consignment of mangoes was sent to Japan yesterday.

India would be exporting the six varieties of Alphonso, Banganpalli, Chausa, Kesar, Langra and Mallika, he said, adding by end July, India hoped to export about 35-40 tonnes (70,000 mangoes) to Tokyo.

He said market access for Malda and Dushehari varieties are also now under review.

Observing that Andhra Pradesh accounts for 30% of the country's mango production and 80% of the mango pulp production, Ramesh said that the state governments should promote setting up of a mango growers cooperatives and involvement of women's self help groups to ensure that farmers get better price for their produce.

Each Banganpalli mango is expected to retail for Rs 200 in Japanese stores.