Export season for Indian Alphonso mangoes has begun in the production region of Maharashtra. Last week, 28 tonnes of the fruit left for Australian and US shores, marking the start of the official export season.
The fruit destined for Australia and the US was treated in an irradiation facility in Vashi, and an additional 7.5 tonnes for Russian and New Zealand markets received vapour heat treatment ahead of export.
The Indian Express reported last year the nation exported some 49,180 tonnes of the fruit, with a majority of that grown in Maharashtra.
The Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) said this year it is aiming for a 15-20 per cent increase in export volumes, with a target of 800 tonnes set for US export markets.
In order to facilitate the export trade, the MSAMB has organised workshops in Konkan for growers, buyers and sellers. It has also run separate workshops on production of export-quality fruit.
