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K.V. Kurmanath

DESPITE BEING POPULAR

Hyderabad , Aug. 25

A trial consignment of Indian mangoes has turned to be a big hit in the Japanese market, following the Union Government's decision to allow Indian mangoes. Four importers have shown interest in getting mangoes from India when the season begins next summer.

But the systems still need to be put in place to tap the mango opportunity fully in the far-eastern country. Infrastructure facilities like vapour heat treatment plants and pack houses are lacking.

The Japanese officials notified protocols for import of mangoes from India and directed the quarantine officials to follow the protocols.

"They want the fruit in the summer and luckily our mango season suits it very well," a Ministry of Commerce official told Business Line.

Infrastructure

He, however, reminded that the season is quite short and it is very important to have necessary infrastructure to process and pack the fruits.

What is required is vapour heat plants. Though there is a plant operating in Maharasthra, it cannot meet the demand. It is also not viable for farmers in States like Andhra Pradesh to send the fruit all the way to Maharashtra for processing. "Andhra Pradesh alone needs at least three such plants to cater to the three regions," the official said.

"We have met up with marketing committees and other stakeholders to impress upon them the need for setting up such plants. Exporters and cooperatives should come forward to take an initiative," the official said. Depending on the capacity, each plant would cost anywhere between Rs 2 crore to Rs 7 crore.

What bothers the officials most is the lack of quality fruit. Of the 3 million tonnes of produce in Andhra Pradesh, only a fraction is fit for exports. "We need to focus on producing quality fruits," he said.

Other markets

Even as Japanese market promises huge opportunity, markets nearer to that in Hong Kong and China too offer good prospects for Indian mango growers. Exports to China via Hong Kong have begun, though in a small way.

The US market is expected to be opened up in two years time. The US has been asking for certain specifications like hot water treatment and irradiation.

More Stories on : Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables | Exports & Imports

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