Maharashtra's mango traders fear West Asia crisis could hamper Alphonso exports

Exporters say the crisis in the Gulf is particularly worrying as the region is both a major export destination and a key transit route for shipments.

• West Asia conflict threatens Alphonso mango export season
• Gulf region vital for Maharashtra mango market and transit
• Exporters hope for stability before March 15 to avoid disruptions

Did our AI summary help?

With summer approaching, farmers and traders of Maharashtra’s globally renowned Alphonso mango were hoping for a strong export season. However, the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran has raised fresh concerns that could dampen their earnings this year.

The tensions in West Asia have created uncertainty around trade routes and logistics just as the export season for the prized mangoes from Maharashtra’s Konkan region approaches.

Exporters say the crisis in the Gulf is particularly worrying as the region is both a major export destination and a key transit route for shipments.

Mango growers and exporters in the state are hoping the situation stabilises before March 15, failing which exports of Alphonso and other mango varieties could be affected.

Chandrakant Mokal, president of the Maharashtra State Mango Growers Association, told News18 that the conflict could disrupt air cargo movement and trade routes at a crucial time for exporters.

The export season for Konkan mangoes typically begins between March 15 and March 20 each year. Alphonso mangoes, prized for their rich flavour and aroma, enjoy strong demand in international markets. Maharashtra accounts for nearly 60–70 percent of India’s total mango exports, with Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Raigad districts forming the core production belt.

These three districts together produce around 1.7 lakh metric tonnes of Alphonso mangoes annually, of which roughly 20,000–25,000 metric tonnes are exported directly to overseas markets. As a result, global trade conditions and logistics stability play a crucial role in determining growers’ and exporters’ earnings.

Gulf nations are among the largest markets for Konkan’s Alphonso mangoes, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as the biggest importer. The fruit is also exported to countries such as the United States, Japan, South Korea and several European markets, where it commands premium demand. However, the ongoing tensions in the Gulf region could disrupt logistics, air cargo operations and trade flows, potentially affecting exports.