Source: Saurabh Vaktania, India Today
The novel coronavirus, which has wreaked havoc in India and abroad, has not spared king of fruits, mango. With the mango season just starting, the fruit is in great demand in the Gulf, European countries and America. Indians staying in foreign countries wait for the mango season. However, due to the coronavirus outbreak traders are unable to send mangoes.
Out of the total production of mangoes in India, nearly 40 per cent is sent to foreign countries.
In the beginning of the season, the Agricultural produce market committee (APMC) receives three to four thousand boxes daily. However, when the season is at the peak — which starts in 15 days – around 1 lakh boxes will come to the market every day. And if the export does restart by the peak season, it will severely affect farmers.
India Today TV spoke to Sanjay Pansare, who is a trader and director of the fruit market at APMC. Pansare said, “Farmers invest a lot in mangoes. The fruit is always in high demand in foreign countries. If mangoes are not exported, farmers will suffer huge losses. At present export of mangoes through the air has been completely shut down. The other option is by sea, but that takes a lot of time.”
Sanjay Pansare said that even if they sent shipments via sea, there is no guarantee they will reach the destination, “In Gulf countries, the ship first goes to Dubai and then the goods are transferred to other countries by road. But the countries have closed their doors. So the situation looks very dangerous for the mango market.”
Pansare explained that one box contains four to five dozens big mangoes or 8 to 9 dozens small mangoes. Now, one box sells for around Rs 6,000, but if export halts, the rates will come down to Rs 1,000 or less even for good quality mangoes.
Pansare said that season has started a month late so it is good but he is afraid things are going to worsen this year for mango farmers.
Pansare said, “I urge the government to make special arrangements for exporting mangoes. They can arrange special flights, because if mangoes are not exported that at least half of the crop will go waste. The negative impact on farmers will be beyond one imagination.”
“Mangoes bring a lot of revenue from foreign countries because they pay a huge amount for mangoes. Also if something is not done, the prices of mangoes will crash and directly affect farmers and traders.”