The Hindu Business Line : Pack houses to be set up for export of mangoes

Agri-Biz & Commodities - Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables
Corporate - New Projects
Industry & Economy - Exports & Imports
States - Andhra Pradesh
Pack houses to be set up for export of mangoes

K.V. Kurmanath

AP agency opening facilities in Tirupati, Nuziveedu

Getting ready
Pack houses being set up to tap opportunities in Japanese and US markets.
AGROS floats tender inviting bids for setting up vapour heat treatment plants.

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Hyderabad Feb. 14 With the Japanese and US Government's lifting clamps on import of mangoes from India, the Union Ministry of Commerce has begun efforts to tap the huge opportunity by opening two pack houses that include vapour heat treatment (VHT) systems.

The Ministry, which gave the in-principle nod for funding the two systems that are expected to cost Rs 20.50 crore, hopes that treated mangoes could be exported to Japan this season itself.

Fruit flies

The Japanese Government has mandated that the mangoes that enter its markets should be cleared of fruit flies.

This could be done only through vapour heat treatment, without changing the flavour and taste.

An earlier method, though helped in tackling the problem, was found to leave chemical residues in the fruit.

"The VHT method sends saturated vapour at 48-50 degrees centigrade into the fruit killing eggs and larvae," Mr K Bhoopal Reddy, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of AGROS, told Business Line.

Nodal agency

The AGROS (AP State Agro Industries Development Corporation) has been named the nodal agency for setting up the two pack houses - one at Tirupati (Chittoor district) and other at Nuziveedu (Krishna district).

The corporation has called for global tenders last week for the two VHTs.

The last date for submitting bids is February 26.

Japan has cleared six mango varieties - Banganapally, Ratnagiri, Alphonsa, Langda, Kesar, Chausa and Mallika - for imports.

The country had banned Indian mangoes in 1986, citing the presence of pest, a senior APEDA official said.

Getting equipment is just part of the story. (Interestingly, mostly Japanese companies manufacture the VHT systems).

A Japanese inspector would personally monitor the process and certify the mangoes.

Banana ripening

Though focus is on mangoes, AGROS is planning to make the pack house a sustainable venture. "We are planning to make it work for at least 9-10 months in a year," Mr Bhoopal Reddy said.

Other facilities

The pack house would also have facilities for grading, sorting, packaging and cold storage facilities. Bananas are being supplied from this part to Tamil Nadu in a big way.

But the new facility ensures additional value as it offers uniform and scientific ripening.

The pack house is expected to be useful for the vegetable farmers too.

"They can better utilise the unfolding opportunity in the retail sector," he added.

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