Indian mango exports to the US, which are due to begin this week, are expected to be lower this year as a result of the global economic downturn, an industry official has told The Hindu.
Exporters are currently preparing for the export season by meeting growers, placing orders and booking irradiation facilities, but it is unlikely that overall shipments to the US will match last season's total of 143 tonnes.
'The general economic slowdown has impacted exports to the US as we have had fewer orders this year,' said Mumbai-based fresh produce exporter Deepak Patil.
It is the second season that exporters have targeted the US after the country opened its doors to the fruit in 2008, with India's more traditional markets including the Middle East and the UK.
To aid exports, an irradiation facility – the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre – was opened at Lasalgaon in Maharastra's Nasik district last week.
Mango production is expected to be lower in 2009 due to an erratic climate, Mr Patil told the publication.
