JOIN USAddressing a workshop on ‘Emerging Trends in Agri Exports: Preparedness of India for Exports,’ organised by Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) here on Thursday, he said Indian mangoes have not been successful in the European market because Europeans go by the looks rather than the taste. “Their eyes look for yellow coloured mangoes, no matter even if they are not so tasty,” he said.
Singh said, many Indian varieties cannot stand sea freight and scope for air freight is limited. Export of mango to the UK decreased in 2008-09 compared to the previous year. In 2007-08, India exported the fruit worth Rs 19.82 crore, while in 2008-09 the value of export was only Rs 14.03 crore, according to APEDA.
India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes. As much as 65 per cent of the world’s total production - 99.20 lakh tonnes is grown in mango groves of 24.71 lakh acres in the country. Brazil, Peru and Venezuela have been posing major challenge to the Indian product. These countries supply mango during winter. Whereas Mexico, Haiti, India and Philippines supply in summer.
APEDA Chairman Asit Tripathy said there was a need for expansion of the Centre for Perishable Commodities (CPC) in Bengaluru International Airport in Devanahalli. At present BIA has a cold room for perishable goods. The exporters feel it is insufficient.
DH News Service