Recession adversely affects mango business

Mumbai, May 18 (ANI): Growers and traders mangoes rue over the losses caused by the global economic slowdown.

In particular, there has been a decrease in the exports of the famed Alphonso to the US and the Middle East.

With a sharp fall in the quantity of mangoes in the market due to reduced production, mango merchants are lamenting that their business has been adversely affected to the tune of 10 to 15 per cent.

"Recession has affected every thing. The demand for Alphonso has decreased. Recession has affected Alphonso mango business by ten to fifteen per cent," said Janaki Prasad Gupta, a mango merchant.

There are around 350 varieties of mangoes grown in India out of which Alphonso, Badami, Totapuri, Lalbad, Rajapuri, Dussheri have a good export potential with Alphonso being the most preferred mango.

Alphonso mangoes are grown primarily in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Kerala They are exported to the United States, Japan as well as European and the Gulf countries.

However, this year on account of global recession, there has been a fall in the demand from abroad.

Exporters say that unlike last year when around 3000 million mangoes were exported, this year only 2400 million mangoes have been exported.

"This year the export of mangoes is 20 per cent less," said Ashok Hande, a mango exporter.

The unfavourable weather conditions and insect infestation have hit the production of mangoes lesser quantity of the fruit is available in the market leading to an increase in the price. This in turn has discouraged the buyers.

In India, mango is grown in around 42 per cent of the total land under horticulture.

Mangoes account for about 39 percent of the total fruit exports from India. By Sanjeev Shukla (ANI)