Date:08/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/08/stories/2008040855300100.htm

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Proposal to aid export of mangoes

S. Prasad

Huge potential: Krishnagiri district accounts for maximum mango production in the State.

Krishnagiri: The Krishnagiri district administration has forwarded a project proposal to the State government to promote the export of fruits and mango pulp under the brand name Krishmaa.

A society has been registered under the Societies Registration Act and a logo has been designed.

About 40 ha of land has been identified at Alapatti near here to set up an Agricultural Export Zone for mangoes. It will have a separate wing to market fresh fruits and other valued added products with a focus on exports. It will also help with input supply and the utilisation of solid waste to create a revenue stream.

The district accounts for the maximum mango production in the State with nearly 40,000 ha coming under it. The average yield is estimated to be around nine tonnes a ha. Tothapuri accounts for 70 per cent. Of the remaining 30 per cent, Neelam accounts for about 15 per cent. Realising the export potential, a number of multinational companies have entered into joint ventures with farmers in the district for the export of fresh fruits. Although Krishnagiri is a major mango producer in the State, the export of fresh fruits from the district is negligible.

According to District Collector Santhosh Babu, ‘Krishmaa’ would help provide remunerative prices for farmers and mango pulp producers.

The administration had proposed a web-based marketing system to enable farmers sell their produce worldwide to agencies.