K'taka to set up Agri Export Zone to help mango growers

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

Karnataka is the third largest grower of '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 Kanrataka producing best quality of Alphonso variety of mango, which accounted for 40 per cent of its production, the exports from the state remained meager. The Agri Export Zone was aimed to help increase the exports, he said.

Speaking to newspersons to brief about the 'Mango Mela' which begins here on June one, 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 for mango exports from the country, he said.

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

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

The objectives of the Mango exhibition which would be held at the famed Lal Bagh here from June one to four 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 added.

UNI