Mangoes have always been a big part of Indian culture. The tropical fruit is native to the country and has been grown here for almost five thousand years. Its season is from May to July every year which means we are in the thick of it right now.
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A Closer Look
There are over 1000 different varieties of Mangoes across the nation. This vast diversity arises from the equally varied geographical conditions found here. While most of these varieties are limited to local regions, there are around a dozen commercially popular ones with recognizable names. Some are internationally popular.
Alphonso, Kesar, Totapuri, and Banganpalli are famous varieties across the globe with high export demand. Then there are other prominent ones like Chausa, Langra, Dashehri, Raspuri, Bombay Green, Fazil, and Himsagar to name a few.
Each state has its own varieties and market, and each strain has its own texture, flavor, and unique characteristics. In terms of volume, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka tend to lead in production, at least until the year 2019.
Challenges Against Exports
India is by far the biggest producer of mangoes in the world and the fruit is beloved by the people of the country. In the year 2019, less than one percent of production, 0.52% to be precise, was exported. The exports have been very limited in the past considering the level of demand internationally. Mango’s average selling price is much higher outside than within borders. Due to its export potential, agricultural bodies in the government have been trying to ramp up international trade.
Here are some of the challenges that still have to be addressed across the board:
- The usage of sticks and rudimentary techniques for harvesting bruises the product and makes it unfit for export.
- It is a highly perishable good.
- Transportation difficulties and high air freight charges.
- Lack of packaging and sterilization facilities like irradiation plants.
- Shortage of pesticide testing facilities and standard procedures that meet the safety standards of the EU and other developed markets.
Top Indian Mango Importers (2019)
- United Arab Emirates (33%)
- Nepal (24%)
- United Kingdom (9%)
- Oman (7%)
- Bangladesh (6%)
As we can see here, the top importers are all relatively nearby the country. The biggest demand for the fruits comes from developed countries like the US and Netherlands. But the above-stated challenges limit the reach of exporters.
The Current Season (May 2023)
The export picture looks much better overall, considering this year’s state-wise production coupled with government support. Unfortunately, after last year’s production was largely affected by untimely rains and a heatwave, unstable weather is becoming a trend. Farmers in Maharashtra voiced their concerns over insufficient produce after another round of heatwaves, rainstorms, and hails since Feb. This resulted in the state’s Kesar strain arriving earlier than usual and a lower yield of the prized Alphonso near the Maharashtran coast.
Western states, especially Gujarat, had good production while all the southern states suffered from unfavorable weather. In fact, producers in Gujarat, home to a vast variety of mangoes, are priming up for increased exports to the US and Central Asia this year.
GOI is seriously considering some serious steps to further incentivize exports, like decreased tax and air freight rates. The combination of such measures with a lackluster supply in the South will likely make prized varieties like Alphonso much more expensive, especially for the Indian people.