India's mango exports jump 19% to nearly $48 million, US top destination

About 1,500 varieties of mango are grown in India including 1,000 commercial varieties.

India's mango exports increased 19 percent to $47.98 million during the April-August period this financial year, the Commerce Ministry said on October 27. India exported mangoes worth $40.33 million during the same period last year.

In association with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) exported 27,330.02 MT of mangoes from April to August 2023.

According to the ministry, it exported 2,043.60 tonnes of mangoes to the US in the first five months of the current fiscal. The other major destinations include Japan (43 tonnes), New Zealand (111 tonnes), Australia (58.42 tonnes), South Africa (4.44 tonnes), Iran, Mauritius, Czech Republic and Nigeria.

According to ANI, inviting APHIS inspectors for the preclearance of mangoes at irradiation facilities in Vashi, Nashik, Bangalore and Ahmedabad played a key role in facilitating mango exports. The Ministry and APEDA also invited South Korean inspectors to boost the mango exports. This helped India export 18.43 tonnes of the fruit after being treated at the authorised Vapour Heat Treatment facility under the supervision of the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage (DPPQS), India and Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA), South Korea.

Also, promotion events were held in collaboration with the Indian missions in various countries, including a mango-tasting event in Brussels, featuring Amrapali, Banganapalli, Kesar and Himsagar varieties. According to Business Standard, this year APEDA also organised a programme in Malaysia. Similar events were conducted in Afghanistan and Kuwait with the respective embassies of India.

India’s mango export season starts after March. For the US, it takes off in April once the country's phytosanitary inspector undertakes physical quality checks of the fruits that are destined for exports. The European Union, UK and other countries also follow quality protocols but their rules for imports don’t require the physical presence of inspectors in India, according to a Indian Express report.

The National Day of the Mango is celebrated every year on July 22. According to the National Horticulture Board, about 1,500 varieties of mango are grown in India including 1,000 commercial varieties. Each has a unique taste and flavour.