Have Gujarat's mango exports exceeded 3,000 MT in five years, with Kesar variety in high demand abroad?

Ahmedabad, July 21 (NationPress) Gujarat's mango export industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past five years, achieving a total export of 856 metric tonnes in 2024–25. This brings the cumulative exports to over 3,000 metric tonnes since 2019, according to government officials.

Mangoes from Gujarat are being sent to various international markets, including the United States and South Africa. The Kesar variety is particularly sought after due to its unique flavor and aroma, as reported by the Gujarat government.

State Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel stated that mango cultivation now spans approximately 1.77 lakh hectares in Gujarat, which constitutes 37 percent of the state's overall fruit cultivation area.

Key mango-producing districts include Valsad, Navsari, Gir Somnath, Kutch, and Surat, with Valsad alone covering over 38,000 hectares dedicated to mango farming in 2024–25.

The export process is bolstered by the Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility in Bavla, situated near Ahmedabad.

This facility processed 224 metric tonnes of irradiated Kesar mangoes this year and has handled a total of 805 metric tonnes over the past five years.

Certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Bavla facility is Gujarat's first and India's fourth of its kind.

Prior to its establishment, farmers had to transport their produce to Mumbai for irradiation, which led to increased transportation costs and spoilage.

The facility now enables mangoes to be processed, packed, and exported directly from Ahmedabad.

This initiative is part of a broader effort that includes an integrated pack house and a perishable air cargo terminal, all coordinated by the Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation.

This infrastructure has enhanced shelf life, minimized wastage, and reduced costs for mango growers, thus improving the efficiency of the export process.

Mango farming is a vital horticultural sector in Gujarat, especially in districts like Valsad, Navsari, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Bhavnagar.

The state is renowned for its premium mango varieties, particularly the Kesar mango from the Gir region, which is protected by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

As of 2024, Gujarat cultivates mangoes on more than 1.3 lakh hectares, yielding over 10 lakh metric tonnes annually.

Approximately 75,000 to 80,000 farmers are involved in mango cultivation throughout the state.

The state government, along with agricultural universities, provides support through various schemes, training, and export facilitation.