The European Union (EU) ban on Alphonso mangoes from India may not only see prices plummeting but the exports may shift direction to the Middle Eastern countries, experts predict.
Dr D L Maheshwar, director of the State Horticulture Department, said, “There is a huge demand from Middle Eastern countries like Dubai. So, more mangoes may be exported there instead of countries in the EU.”
The ban was pronounced after fruit flies were found in a consignment of mangoes. In addition, exports of eggplant, taro plant, bitter gourd and snake gourd have also been banned from May 1.
Last year, 37,598.64 metric tonnes of mangoes were exported to the United Kingdom and 22,013.88 metric tonnes were exported in 2011-12.
“As of now prices of Raspuri, Malgova, Sindura and Mallika varieties of mangoes have gone up by `25-30 nper kg. The price of Alphonso mangoes is constant at `100 per box. Mangoes have just begun to come in to the market. The entire quantity will come in by May 15. That is when we will know actual market trends”, said Kadiregowda, MD, Hopcoms.
Meanwhile, there is talk about low yield of mangoes this year. Karnataka Agriculture Produce Export Corporation MD Vishakantha, said, “The impact of the ban will be dependent on the produce. If production of mangoes is low, then the impact will also be less. Farmers in the state have said fruits are less in quantity this year because of less flowering”.
Officials of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority refused to comment on the situation.