The Agricultural and Processed Foods Exports Development Authority (APEDA) has chalked out a programme to increase mango exports to Rs 350-400 crore during 2002-03 along with trade in other varieties, including Alfonso.
"The Rs 1-1.5 crore programme, which will start at the end of March, has been approved by the central government. The campaign is aimed at increasing exports of various mango varieties like Alfonso, Kesar, Chausa, Dusshari, Baigan Pali and Langda," APEDA chairman Anil Swaroop told Business Standard.
According to Swaroop, mango products like pulp, juice, jelly, jam, chutney and pickles, which fetch better prices in the international market than the fruit, will account for 75 per cent of the exports.
"The programme is a long-term one and is aimed at increasing exports of mango and mango products to Rs 650 crore by 2006-07," Swaroop said.
The plan to set up mango export zones in Saharanpur, Lucknow, Ratnagiri and Chitoor is aimed at incremental increase in mango and mango products' exports to Rs 350-400 crore (2002-03), Rs 430 crore (2003-04), Rs 470 crore (2004-05), Rs 530 crore (2005-06) and Rs 650 crore (2006-07).
"The export zones would provide all the backward linkages in the supply chain such as an improved quality and productivity of mangoes, better pre- and post-harvest management, proper packaging and control of diseases and pests," the APEDA chairman said.
As part of cold chain management for maintaining quality and increasing shelf-life during storage and transport, three packing houses had been initiated in Aurangabad, Kudal and Lucknow, Swaroop said.
All these measures are aimed at the targeted markets, he said. There will be region-wise promotion campaigns including tie-ups with supermarkets abroad.
