Gujarat’s Mango Success: 689.5 Metric Tonnes Exported in 2023-24
Gujarat exported 689.5 metric tonnes of mangoes in 2023-24, according to the Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation (GAIC). From 2019-20 to 2023-24, the state has exported over 2,500 metric tonnes of mangoes. Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat excels in horticultural production, especially Kesar mangoes.
The thriving mango industry is a vital part of Gujarat’s agricultural economy, with 177,514 hectares dedicated to mango cultivation. Mangoes grow mainly in Valsad, Navsari, Gir-Somnath, Kachchh, and Surat districts. The Kesar mango from Talala Gir is globally praised for its quality and has a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
This year, the Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility in Bavla, Ahmedabad, irradiated and exported 210 metric tonnes of Kesar mangoes. This facility is the first USDA-APHIS-certified irradiation unit in Gujarat and the fourth in India. Under Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel, over 2 lakh kg of Kesar mangoes were irradiated and exported last year.
Before the Bavla facility, farmers had to travel to Mumbai for irradiation, leading to wastage and higher costs. Now, local processing reduces costs and helps farmers earn better prices. The Indo-Israel Work Plan provides technical guidance and training in mango cultivation at the Center of Excellence for Mango in Talala, Gir Somnath district. So far, 2,601 farmers have been trained, and 9,382 grafts have been cultivated and sold.
The Gujarat Horticulture Department has allocated Rs 15.29 crore in financial assistance to boost mango production. The department also supports schemes for intensive fruit planting and revamping old orchards. Financial aid covers up to 90 percent of quality planting materials for horticultural crops.
Doubts Revealed
Metric Tonnes -: A metric tonne is a unit of weight. It is equal to 1,000 kilograms. Imagine 1,000 bags of sugar, each weighing 1 kilogram.
Exported -: Exported means sending goods to another country to be sold. So, Gujarat sent mangoes to other countries.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel -: Bhupendra Patel is the leader of the state government in Gujarat. He helps make important decisions for the state.
Horticultural Production -: Horticultural production means growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers. In this case, it refers to growing mangoes.
Kesar Mangoes -: Kesar mangoes are a special type of mango grown in Gujarat. They are known for their sweet taste and bright orange color.
Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility -: This is a place in Bavla, Gujarat, where mangoes are treated to make them last longer and stay fresh. It uses special technology to do this.
Indo-Israel Work Plan -: This is a partnership between India and Israel to improve farming techniques. It helps farmers grow better crops, like mangoes.
Horticulture Department -: This is a part of the government that helps farmers grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They provide money and support to farmers.