Yogi govt boosts mango exports, targets US and European markets with quality upgrades

Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh, the top mango-producing state in India, is scaling new heights under the Yogi government’s initiatives. With a production rate exceeding the national average, the state currently yields an impressive 16 to 17 tonnes of mango per hectare. Experts suggest that with advanced practices like orchard renovation, canopy management, intensive horticulture, and timely crop protection measures, this figure could rise to 20 tonnes per hectare.

The Yogi government is committed to enhancing mango production and export quality. Collaborating with central and state scientists, the administration is working tirelessly to educate and empower farmers with modern horticultural techniques. These efforts not only aim to boost yields but also improve the quality of the fruit, thereby strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s position in the global mango market.

The most effective way to improve mango yield and quality is through canopy management of old orchards. Recognizing this, the Yogi government has addressed a major hurdle by issuing a directive to facilitate this process. This step aims to enhance the productivity and quality of mangoes from older orchards.

Scientists are actively encouraging orchard owners to adopt this method for better management of their orchards. The impact of this initiative on mango yield and quality will become evident in the coming years. To further support this effort, the state government, with help from the central government, has established four pack houses in Saharanpur, Amroha, Lucknow, and Varanasi, strengthening the mango supply chain.

The Modi-led Central Government and Yogi-led Uttar Pradesh government are prioritizing the enhancement of mango exports. To meet international standards, scientists are continuously working to improve both the yield and quality of mangoes.

Notably, mango production in Uttar Pradesh has been steadily increasing. With promising export opportunities, the Yogi government is actively organizing various events and programs to maximize benefits for orchard owners and farmers.

According to data from the National Horticulture Board (2015–16), Uttar Pradesh accounted for 12.55% (.28 million hectares) of the total mango cultivation area, 24.02% (4.51 million tons) of the production, and had a per-hectare yield of 116.11 tonnes. Recent figures indicate that Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to national mango production has risen to nearly 25%. The state now produces around 2.5 million tonnes of mangoes annually, with a per-hectare yield of approximately 17.13 tonnes. The area under mango cultivation has also expanded to 265.62 thousand hectares, reflecting the government’s efforts to promote horticulture and mango exports.

Nearly 32.66% of Uttar Pradesh’s mango production takes place in clusters, with most of the state’s mango orchards spread across six key zones. These include districts such as Bijnor (Tarai region), Saharanpur, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Muzaffarnagar, Amroha (Western and Central Western Plains), Lucknow, Sitapur, Unnao, Hardoi, Ambedkar Nagar (Central and Eastern Plains), and Kasganj and Aligarh (Southwestern UP).

The state government is making every possible effort to promote mango cultivation, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath taking a personal interest in these initiatives. One significant event in this effort is the annual Mango Festival. This year, it was held on July 12 at Avadh Shilp Gram, where CM Yogi actively participated.

A milestone achievement of these efforts was the export of Malihabad’s famed Dussehri mango to the United States for the first time in 160 years. While the mango sold for Rs 60 – Rs 100 per kg in India, it fetched a staggering Rs 900 per kg in the US market. Even after accounting for duty taxes, cargo, and airfare costs of Rs 250 – Rs 300 per kg, the farmers earned a significant profit.

To further expand export opportunities and secure better prices for farmers, the Yogi government is actively branding Uttar Pradesh mangoes in international markets. Last year, a team from the horticulture department, along with farmers from Lucknow and Amroha, visited Moscow and organized a Mango Festival. The event not only showcased the unique quality of UP mangoes but also resulted in export orders, marking another success in the state’s mission to position its mangoes on the global map.

To meet export standards for the US and European countries, the Uttar Pradesh government plans to establish a radiation treatment plant near Jewar International Airport. Currently, North India lacks such a facility, with similar plants available only in Mumbai and Bengaluru. These cities also dominate mango exports, particularly varieties like Alphonso, Bombay Green, Totapuri, and Banganapalli.

The absence of a treatment plant in the north has forced exporters to first send their produce to Mumbai or Bengaluru for mandatory radiation treatment before shipping it overseas, leading to significant time and resource wastage. To address this issue, the Yogi government is setting up the radiation treatment plant on a PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model near Jewar Airport.

This technology ensures that exported fruits, vegetables, and grains are treated with radiation to eliminate pests and extend their shelf life, enhancing their market viability and compliance with international standards.

The upcoming radiation treatment plant near Jewar International Airport will open doors for Uttar Pradesh’s mango growers to easily access markets in the US and Europe. Being the largest mango-producing state in India, Uttar Pradesh stands to gain the most from any new export opportunities.

To ensure faster transportation of produce to export centers, the state government is expanding its expressway network. The Purvanchal and Bundelkhand Expressways are operational, and the Gorakhpur Link Expressway is nearing completion. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that the Ganga Expressway, connecting Meerut to Prayagraj, be completed before the Maha Kumbh.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, efforts to improve mango quality and develop export-friendly varieties are in full swing under the leadership of Dr. T. Damodaran, Director of the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture in Rehmankheda, Lucknow. Varieties like Ambika and Arunima have already been released, while Awadh Samriddhi and Awadh Madhurima are in the pipeline. These colorful and high-quality varieties, tailored to European market preferences, will significantly benefit UP’s farmers.

Farmers are also being educated on producing superior mango yields through national and international workshops. Recently, a three-day seminar was held in collaboration with Israel, following a prior international workshop on September 21 focusing on strategies and research priorities for improving mango yield and quality.

India has immense potential to increase its mango exports, especially to the US and European countries. At a recent international seminar on mangoes held at CISH Rehmankheda in Lucknow, Israeli scientist Yuvan Cohen emphasized the need for India to produce mango varieties tailored to European market preferences.

Uttar Pradesh leads India in mango production, contributing over one-third of the country’s total yield. However, when it comes to exports, India lags far behind global competitors. India’s share in global mango exports is a mere 0.52%, compared to top exporters like Thailand (24%), Mexico (18%), Brazil (11%), Vietnam (5%), and Pakistan (4.57%). This gap highlights the untapped potential for India, particularly Uttar Pradesh, to capture a significant share of the global mango market.

Last year, a delegation from Inova Foods met with Agriculture Production Commissioner Devesh Chaturvedi to discuss export opportunities. They highlighted a growing demand for Chausa and Langda mangoes in the US and European markets. These varieties, grown on a large scale in Uttar Pradesh, have significant export potential if they meet international standards. The state government is actively working to align production with market requirements, which could open up new avenues for UP’s mango growers.

In addition to the market potential, the state is focused on improving the quality of mangoes. Red-colored varieties, which are visually appealing and taste better, are a particular focus. These varieties contain anthocyanins, which not only enhance flavor and nutritional value but may also help prevent obesity, diabetes, and age-related cognitive decline. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties further add to their health benefits.

The Central Government is also preparing a pilot project to export 20 fruits and vegetables by sea, with mangoes included. This initiative could boost the export market, and Uttar Pradesh, the largest mango producer in India, stands to gain the most. The state government is ensuring the necessary global infrastructure for exporters, facilitating easier access to international markets.

Additionally, the Yogi government is taking significant steps to promote horticulture education and research. A horticulture college is set to be established in Raebareli, focusing on mangoes, amla, and guava, offering degree courses as well as short-term training programs. This college will help local farmers access research-driven knowledge to improve their produce.

To further enhance the quality of horticultural crops, the state is establishing Centers of Excellence in every district, as directed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. These centers will focus on providing quality planting materials, vital for producing healthy crops. By 2027, every district will have such facilities, ensuring Uttar Pradesh’s farmers receive the best resources to improve yield and quality.