The 'Bengal Mango Utsav - 2018' began here today to showcase the state's mango and mango products, and also to explore possibilities for their export to the Middle East, Europe and South East Asian countries.
The three-day mango utsav is being organised by the state's Food Processing Industries and Horticulture department in association with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Exhibition and sale of different varieties of mango and mango products by the growers and producers from all across state are in display at the utsav.
Inaugurating the festival, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Subrata Mukherjee said mangoes from West Bengal have found space in many countries and the state government is ready to provide all necessary supports to the farmers.
The state government has initiated talks to get markets in United Kingdom, Italy, France and other countries with the best of mangoes that are produced in West Bengal, Mukherjee said.
He also said "West Bengal has different verities of mangoes. However, we need to market them well to get better price."
Food Processing Industries and Horticulture Minister, Abdur Rezzak Mollah said mango has huge potential for various food processing products.
"However, we need to set up right kind of food processing units in the state and also identify the best quality mangoes for pickles, juices and other products," he said.
He further said that FPOs should be proactive in building connections between farmers and national and international buyers through participatory farming.
"Thrust has been given to produce more export quality mangoes from West Bengal," Mollah added.
State's IT and Electronics Minister Bratya Basu said that this year West Bengal has produced nearly 9 metric tonnes of mangoes which is a record production for the state.
Agriculture, Horticulture and Food Processing Industries Secretary Nandini Chakravorty said representatives from eight countries directly communicated with the farmers from different districts.
She also informed that West Bengal produces 400 variety of mangoes out of which 100 varieties are available in Bengal Mango Utsav.
Dr Rajeev Singh, director general, Indian Chamber of Commerce said that it is important for West Bengals mango to get better market in India and abroad to ensure better price for the farmers.
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