India exports mangoes to 80 countries;US yet to allow import

New Delhi, July 19 (UNI) India exports mangoes to 80 countries but US is yet to lift its ban on import of this 'king of fruits' even as US President George W Bush announced to permit their import as part of Indo-America agreement in agriculture sector six months ago.

The demand for Indian mangoes is increasing day by day and no longer confined to Alphanso variety from Goa and Maharashtra.

Instead, Uttar Pradesh's 'Chausa' and 'Langra' have also created a sizable market for them overseas.

People abroad have now developed taste for 'Maliabad' variety of mangoes from Lucknow;'Dushehri' and 'Ratol' form Meerut areas; and 'Kesar'from Gujarat.

So far, India has exported 60,000 tonne of mangoes. The bigger consignments have gone to Asian countries including Bangladesh, Agricultural Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman K S Money told UNI last evening.

The first ever shipment of four tonnes ofIndian mangoes of six varieties including Chausa and Langra was disptached to Japan on June 26 this year from Mumbai.

But the consignment hit roadblock with rejection by the Japanese as 80 per cent of the lot had developed black spots due rains and some other reasons.

Similarly, India is finding difficulties in exporting mangoes to China- partly because of that country's strict norms and partly because of quality considerations.

Mr Money said domestic production of mangoes was on the rise but quality aspect was not being given the due attention which posed obstacles in exporting the produce.

He deplored that some big exporting companies had failed to arrange the production of quality mangoes as per their earlier promise. And, this restricted the expected growth mangoes export, he added.

However, Mr Money said, arrangements were being made for taking the UP mangoes directly to Mumbai for export.

UNI/JSS CS VV1536