USAID helps Indian mango farmers access new markets

New Delhi, May 3 (UNI)Food Bazar a leading retail chain, mango growers from Maharashtra and the Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board (MSAMB) have signed an agreement allowing Food Bazar to purchase mangoes directly from the state's farmers.

Food Bazar already issued a payment of Rs 1,95,000 to farmers for the supply of mangoes, a USAID release said here today.

The deal is a product of the United States Agency for International Development(USIAD) Partnership for Food Industry Development programme that aims at helping the Indian farmers to improve product quality and have direct access to larger markets.

India is the largest producer of mangoes, but it accounts for less than one per cent of global mango trade. USAID's Partnership for Food Development programme works with Michigan State University and Indian Counterparts to help farmers adopt good agricultural practices to tap domestic and international markets and improve food safety. It also supports food processing and helps farmers maintain quality.

But now, international demand for mangoes is growing and Indian domestic market is experiencing an increased demand for processed goods.

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