Mango exporters are in for a big disappointment as massive earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan. Exports of mangoes and pulp, which have just picked up in the last few years, to Japan are likely to be hit with tsunami plunging the Far East country into a serious crisis.

The country exported 55 tonnes of fresh mangoes and 2,500 tonnes of mango pulp to Japan. It constitutes 5 per cent to overall agriculture exports to the country, exporters see an unfolding opportunity in this segment. “It is a very promising market and the teaser exports in the last few years have gained significant attraction from the market there,” Mr Raj Gaddam, Managing Director of Srini Food Park, told Business Line.

APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) has set up two VHTs (vapour heat treatment) plants at Nuziveedu in Andhra Pradesh to help the farmers and exporters treat mangoes to suit the stringent rules prescribed by Japanese Government.

The crisis in Japan has unnerved the exporters. “Last year, we could not export much. But this year it seems we will have bountiful produce. We thought we could reap good returns. But the developments in the last one week in Japan disappointed us. We are seeing things with our fingers crossed,” a mango exporter confessed.

Mr Raj Gaddam, however, said that they spoke to their partners in Japan. “They assured that there would be an intake of at least two tonnes a week during the season,” he said.

Even if exports to Japan were impacted, the exporters need not lose heart. “We have a commitment from Spain to take 10 tonnes,” he said.

Mr Asit Tripathy, Chairman of APEDA, subscribed to this view. “Japan is not a major export market for India for its agriculture products. It contributes just about Rs 125 crore to our overall agriculture exports,” he said.

India’s exports to Japan stood at 17,000 tonnes in 2009-10 as against the overall agriculture exports to the tune of 1.11 crore tonnes valued at Rs 34,825 crore.

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