The Hindu Business Line : Retail chains in talks to buy Alphonso mangoes

Unexpected long winter, fungal development, rainfall and improper development of the fruit seem to be creating a small panic among Alphonso mango growers in Maharashtra.

The season, which usually starts by mid-March and extends up to mid-May, seems to be off to a delayed start this year with the arrival of the mangoes expected in the markets only by April 10. Retail chains Reliance and Subhiksha have already entered into dialogues with the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) for supply of mangoes.

Sources close to the development said about 800 tonnes has been ordered by these two retail chains.

Talks have also started between MSAMB and the farmers for the supply of these mangoes. Trent, the retail chain of the Tatas, is also talking to farmers, though the quantity has not been specified so far. Mr R.K. Mandal, in charge of exports at APEDA, said this year too the Alphonso will be exported to the Japanese and the US markets.

According to statistics made available by MSAMB, last year about 160 tonnes had been exported to the US and this year the target is 1,500-2,000 tonnes.

Mr Mandal said a team from the US was expected during the first week of April to approve of the irradiation facilities in the country. Currently, only the irradiation facility at Lasalgaon in Nasik district has the approval.

He added that with many private players having vapour heat treatment facility, exports to Japan would also increase.

About 50 tonnes of mangoes were exported to Japan last year and this year at least about 100 tonnes from Maharashtra would be exported to Japan. He said the focus is now on bringing in newer markets into its fold and a team from Australia is expected soon to visit the facilities.

According to statistics of 2005-06, about 50,000 tonnes of mangoes were exported to West Asia, Gulf, Bangladesh and Europe. This year, he said, about 75,000 tonnes would be the total export to all the countries.

Mr Mandal said APEDA would be increasing its focus on value-added products. The mango festival organised by the MSAMB will begin in Pune on April 10 and would run till the end of the season.

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