BENGALURU: Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Ltd (KSMD&MCL) is insisting mango growers apply for Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certificates that are similar to ISO for fruits and vegetables. This will help them export mangoes to European countries.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, L Gopala Krishna, chairman of KSMD&MCL, said last year on a trial basis they had encouraged farmers to go for Global GAP certificates and 200 hectares of mango cultivation was covered under this.
To obtain the certification, a set of standards have to be followed, including cold storage facilities, water sources nearby, etc. External agencies will then visit and certify. There are a few agencies in India that do the certification.
Further, Gopala Krishna said this year 10,000 tonnes of mangoes were exported from the state to the US, Australia, countries in Europe and Middle East.
Starting from July-end, mango corporation authorities will visit farmers to create awareness on the certification. “Our experts will explain how to increase quality, quantity, what pesticides they can use, how to use fruit fly trap and save fruits. We want the best mangoes from our farms,” he said. KSMD&MCL also has plans to consult experts and university academicians to check if two crops can be grown in a year. “We don’t encourage farmers to grow two crops a year, but in some parts of the state by natu, e they get yield twice a year. We need to discuss this with scientists and if needed we can tell our farmers to follow,” he said.
Kadregowda, MD of KSMD&MCL, said this year they had expected 13 lakh tonnes of mangoes of which they could get 10 lakh tonnes. “This was because of drought in parts of the state and hailstone rains.”