BENGALURU: Despite the rise in the price of mangoes, the demand for mangoes from Karnataka is on the rise, not just for domestic consumption, but also overseas. While most sought after varieties are Alphanso, Badami, Mallika and Banganapali, the new entrant to the list seeking a high demand is the GI tagged Kari Ishad, from Ankola.
According to statistics shared by the Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Limited (KSMDMCL) and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in the financial year 2023-24 the state exported 596.23 metric tonnes of mangoes worth Rs 16.89 crore (2.05 million USD) between April and December. In 2022-23, the export was 244.98 MT, worth Rs 6.11 crore (0.79 million USD) and in 2021- 23, the export was 222.9 MT worth Rs 5.38 crore (0.73 million USD).
As per data, Karnataka is the second largest mango exporting state in India, after Maharashtra. “The difference in export figures of the states is also high. Maharashtra has an advantage of exporting fruits, vegetables and other items by air and sea. They also have sufficient processing and packaging units. In Karnataka, we have managed to hold on to the second position because of the quality, loyalty, and air cargo,” said an official from the mango board.
KSMDMCL Managing Director CG Nagaraju told TNIE, that the demand for export is only rising, and the maximum demand is from USA, Europe and Middle Eastern countries. There is a 124% increase in export to the USA. There is also a demand for ripened Totapuri, from the Middle East. The state is also sending 2,000 litres mango pulp in tetrapacks, in containers.
Mangoes from Karnataka are also shipped to other countries from Kochi, Chennai and Mumbai. A report on the shipment has been sought from the ports to know the exact details, he added.
KSMDMCL data showed in the year 2023, from April-July, 685 tonnes of mangoes were sent by air cargo to the USA, Kuwait and the UAE. Of this, 103 tonnes were sent to Fort Worth International Airport, 95 tonnes to Washington Dulles International Airport, 58 tonnes of San Francisco International Airport and 52 tonnes each to Kuwait and Dubai international airports.
“This year, the export demand is around 1,000 MT. But there has been a drastic dip in overall mango harvesting. The state was able to get only 30% of the usual yield. Since there are export commitments, this demand needs to be met first,” a KSMDMCL official said.
Nandini goes international — parlours in Sharjah, abu dhabi
Soon after the MCC is lifted, CM Siddaramaiah, will virtually inaugurate two Nandini parlours internationally - one in Sharjah, and one is Abu Dhabi. KMF will supply one container to each parlour, which will contain 15 metric tonnes of ghee and sweets. The supply will be increased based on the increase in demand, said KMF officials.