Agri Export Zone for mango growers in Karnataka

Bangalore, May 30 (UNI) The Karnataka Government will soon set up an Agri Export Zone to help mango growers produce high quality varieties.

Karnataka was the third largest grower of the 'King of Fruits' with a production of 1.17 lakh tonnes, after Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Andhra Pradesh produced the highest of 2.52 lakh tonnes of mango, while Bihar accounted for 1.55 lakh tonnes.

According to Horticulture Department (Fruit Division) Additional Director S V Hittalamani, despite Karnataka producing best quality of Alphonso variety of mango, which accounted for 40 per cent of its production, the exports from the State remained meagre. The Agri Export Zone is aimed at helping to increase the exports, he said.

Speaking to newspersons to brief about the four-day 'Mango Mela', which will begin here on June 1, he said Mexico was the leading exporter of Mango with a share of 23.5 per cent, while India stood second with 19.5 per cent of world exports. European and Arab countries offered the highest demand, he added.

Karnataka produced different mango varieties like Badami, Baganapalli, Dashehari, Rasapuri, Mallika and Mulgoa, he said.

Mr Hittalamani regretted that the production in Bangalore urban district, which grew one of the best qualities of mango, was falling drastically due to rapid urbanisation which resulted in vanishing of mango groves.

The objectives of the Mango exhibition was to provide a common platform for mango growers, entrepreneurs, scientists and mango processing industries for interacting and exchange of ideas. The Mela would also enable direct sale of mango from growers to the consumers, he said.

UNI