Maiden ‘Mango Buyer Seller Meet’ concludes on a high note

BY Our Correspondent7 Jun 2017 8:48 PM GMT

Jun 08, 2017: The first edition of ‘Mango Buyer Seller Meet’ organised by APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) held early this week in Navi Mumbai concluded on a high note. The two-day event witnessed participation of 22 importers from 7 countries – the UAE, Iran, Mauritius, South Korea, Australia, China and Japan. Ten of the mango growing states from India participated at the event. Over 100 exporters from states including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, West Bengal, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka were present along with government officials from few states. The programme facilitated interaction between buyers from various countries and government officials of mango exporting states and mango exporters.

The event was inaugurated by Alok Chaturvedi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Also present were Dr Shakil P Ahammed, Joint Secretary (MIDH), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Kadire Gowda, Managing Director, Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation; Chiranjiv Chaudhary, Commissioner Horticulture, Andhra Pradesh; Madhumita Sinha Ray, Commissioner Horticulture, West Bengal; Dr Sudhanshu, Deputy General Manager, Head – Horticulture Division; DK Singh, Chairman, APEDA; R Ravindra, Deputy General Manager (Bangalore), APEDA; Prashant Waghmare, Assistant General Manager (Regional Incharge), APEDA and Dr CB Singh, Assistant General Manager (Western Region), APEDA.

Giving the keynote address, Chaturvedi said, “Of the total agricultural exports of USD 1.76 million, India has a share of 2.4 percent and stand at the seventh rank in the world. In global imports, we have a share of 1.5 percent and rank ninth in the world. India is a fruit basket grower of the world producing fruits ranging from pomegranates, apples, mangoes, grapes etc. India is the largest producer of mangoes in the world and produces 41 percent of total world production. A total of 12.73 million metric tonnes of mangoes are produced in various states of the country. India exports mango to more than 50 countries and India’s exports has grown from 43,000 metric tonnes in 2014-15 to 47,000 metric tonnes 2015-16 and this year we are going to cross there has been a good production 50,000 metric tonnes 2016-17. That has been a good production. That is USD 100 million worth of exports is taking place.”

He further added, “Importers point of view it is important quality and all the export mangoes are subject to inspection by Plant Quarantine Information System by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to ensure compliance with phytosanitary requirements of the importing country. The phytosanitary certification of export consignment ensures that the produce is free from quarantine.”

Singh mentioned, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the vision to increase and double the produce of mangoes in the next five years. We see mango as one of the key elements in increasing the trade and thereby increasing the income of farmers. With this objective, we have identified those markets wherein our presence is not significant, we want to enhance and develop a better corporation, trade and economic relationship with these countries.”

On the second day, importers visited common infrastructure facilities in Mumbai wherein India’s capability to export quality and pest free produce were showcased to create confidence among the importers. These facilities included, Gamma Irradiation facility, hot water treatment facility, vapor heat treatment facility and integrated pack house.