Steep rise in freight charges notwithstanding, Indian exporters are hopeful of a 10-15 per cent year-on-year increase in export of mangoes. The US, Canada and Mauritius are fast emerging as preferred markets for the Indian fruit, driving exporters’ optimism.
Indian mangoes, especially Alphonso from Maharashtra and Kesar from Gujarat, have found a special place in overseas markets. Last year, due to a short crop, exports were subdued and the country, on the whole, had reported a little over 28,000 tonnes of exports. Exports this year have started well with both US and Korean phytosanitary inspectors already in the country.
Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of KayBee Exports, said his company is seeing good traction from countries like the US, Mauritius and Canada, among others. “Quality-wise there are no complaints. Demand is also good,” he said.
Khakhar said at present freight charges have more than doubled as compared to last year. “This has to do with the Red Sea crisis, still we are confident of good growth in exports” he said.
The Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), which steered export of mangoes by the sea route earlier, has put a stop to that this year because of the Red Sea crisis. However, officials said till date around 2,000 tonnes of the fruit have been processed at MSAMB’s centre and exported. The export season had stated with logistic problems as airlines refused to accept consignments. Due to this, many exporters had failed to service orders. At present, there are no problems with airlines but profit margins for exporters are slim.
Alphonso, the famous produce from the Konkan coast of Maharshtra, has reported an extended season. Most farmers say they are hopeful that their produce would continue to be in the market till the end of May. Also Kesar from Gujarat and Maharashtra would continue to arrive till June-end or first week of July. Overall, government officials say this year they feel the country would see an increase of 10-15 per cent in exports.
