Mango exports to US take a beating on economic slowdown.

PUNE: India's efforts of developing a market in the US for its mangoes have taken a short-term hit due to the economic slowdown. The US

quarantine inspectors will be in Maharashtra from April 7 but mango exporters have not yet begun preparations like meeting growers, placing orders and booking the irradiation facility.

The irradiation facility of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) at Lasalgaon is the only such facility for mango exports in the country. In 2008, nearly 350 tonnes of mangoes were exported to the US from this facility.

Currently, non-resident Indians (NRIs) are the major consumers of Indian mangoes in the US. But efforts are on to cultivate a taste for the king of Indian fruits among local Americans. "Some traders exporting to the US even incurred losses last year. But they are confident of the potential of the US market," said an officer of the Maharashtra marketing department.

So marketing efforts will continue despite fall in exports. "Most of the US demand is for the Alphonso mango. But this is a delicate fruit and has problems of spongy tissue. This year, orders are fewer due to the general economic slowdown," said director of the Andheri-based Om Mangoes, Parag Gandhi, an exporter.

Last year, he air freighted 32 containers of the fruit to the US each carrying 418 boxes of a dozen mangoes were in the consumer's hands, it was priced at $25-30 per fruit.

Sending mangoes by air is the only option currently available to exporters. "Air freight comprises 45% of the total cost of the mango," said Mr Gandhi.

"Apeda is trying to send its first container-load of mangoes by ship this year which will reduce the transportation cost by 50%," said Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) project officer, Santosh Patil.

Maharashtra's mango yield is expected to be 35-40% lower this year, due to changes in climatic conditions since there was hardly any winter this year. Due to the high temperatures prevailing in the winter season, there was considerable flower and fruit drop.