In a move to elevate Uttar Pradesh’s standing in global exports of local varieties of mangoes, the Yogi Adityanath govt will establish a radiation treatment plant near Jewar international airport in Noida. The first of its kind facility for North India, it will help UP meet the stringent export standards set by the United States and European countries.
Currently, such plants exist only in Mumbai and Bengaluru, whose local mango varieties, such as Alphonso, Bombay Green, Totapari, and Banganapalle dominate the export market.
Mangoes from UP are sent to these cities for the necessary treatment before being exported, resulting in significant delays, increased costs, and risks to fruit quality.
The new plant, to be built on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, will employ advanced radiation treatment technology to effectively eliminate harmful bacteria and pests and extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and grains, making them suitable for international export.
Additionally, the Yogi govt is taking steps to further enhance the yield and quality of mangoes through canopy management techniques, which rejuvenate old orchards.
At a recent national seminar on mangoes organised by the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) in Lucknow, Israeli scientist Yuvan Cohen emphasised that India should tailor its mango production to meet European preferences.
Although India is the world’s top mango producer, with UP accounting for over a third of the nation’s yield, its performance in terms of exports remains much below expectations.
India’s share in global mango exports stands at just 0.52%, far behind countries like Thailand (24%), Mexico (18%), Brazil (11%), Vietnam (5%), and Pakistan (4.57%).
Last year, during a meeting with Agriculture Production Commissioner Devesh Chaturvedi, a delegation from Innova Food highlighted the strong demand for Chausa and Langda varieties, grown primarily in UP, in the US and Europe.
Additionally, the introduction of red mango varieties, which are not only visually appealing but also rich in health benefits, adds another dimension to Uttar Pradesh’s mango export strategy. The red colour of these mangoes is attributed to anthocyanin, a compound known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
Research suggests that anthocyanin may help combat obesity, diabetes, and age-related cognitive decline. With these added health benefits, red mangoes have the potential to attract health-conscious consumers in global markets.