BENGALURU: Mangoes from farms across the state will soon arrive on the dinner tables of the US residents with the state planning to export close to 2,000 tonnes. This is the first time such a large consignment of the fruit is being exported to the US.
The Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Limited (KSMDMC) is all set to send them by flight from April 15 onwards.
Karnataka is one of the top mango growing states in the country, with at least 1.7 lakh hectares in 16 districts used for cultivation of the fruit. It is widely grown in Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Dharwad, and Ramanagara districts.
Annually, the state has a capacity to grow at least 7.5 lakh tonnes of mangoes. This year, the mango season arrived early and experts are expecting 8.5 lakh tonnes.
Speaking to Express, Kadregowda, Managing Director of KSMDMC, said till last year mangoes from the state were exported to the UK, Australia, Gulf countries and Malaysia. “This year, we are setting a target of 10,000 tonnes of mangoes to be exported. We already have confirmation from the US for 2,000 tonnes,” he said.
Alphonso, Banganapalli, Kesar and Dasheri varieties of mangoes will be sent the US,” he said.
He added that last year too the state had sent mangoes to the US, but it was only a sample.
Further, Kadregowda said the consignment is larger this year as the mangoes have met US specifications. “They have been given hot water treatment, gama treatment to avoid insects and naturally ripened (without use of carbide). A team from the US had even visited our facility centre in Kolar and given their approval. Similar facilities will be set up at Madikeri and Hubballi by the end of this month. This will help us export to more countries,” he said.
“We are also anticipating an order from South Korea,” he added.
Dr S V Hittalamani, former Additional Director (Fruits), Department of Horticulture, said the drought came as a blessing in disguise.
“With no moisture content, the pressure of flowering started in November as against Feburary. For the first time in history, all varieties of mangoes were available in the market by March and April, including Thothapuri which otherwise comes in June. This year, the quality of fruit is also good.”
He added that mangoes grown in many other countries have good colour but Indian mangoes, especially those from Karnataka, are superior in taste. Indian mangoes are hence much in demand. Tommy Atkins mango (Florida), Keitt (Florida), Kensington mango (Australia) are a few varieties of mangoes grown in other countries.