First time, mangoes to be exported abroad from Vizag port

Guntur: For the first time, Sri Sada Siva AgriTech in association with the state horticulture department is exporting 12 tonne Banganapalli variety mangoes through Visakhapatnam Port on May 31 to London. A container carrying mangoes has already set off from Nuzvid on Friday. The ship will start from Vizag port to London on May 31.

Sea transport is highly challenging as the mangoes have to be harvested at the right stage, packed appropriately besides maintaining the cold chain to ensure freshness of the fruits for about 35-40 days in transit and for marketing.

Horticulture commissioner of AP, Chiranjeevi Chowdary said, "This success will boost further exports from AP. The exporter started exports by ship this year on a pilot basis. If it is successful, they will export huge quantities from next year because transport cost is less. It will take 29 days for the ship to reach London. After that it will take five to six days for marketing the mangoes."

In spite of the lockdown, so far 49 tonne mangoes have been exported to the Middle East, Europe, New Zealand and other destinations from Tirupati and Nuzvid during this season.

The horticulture department is promoting exports by registering the farmers in HORTINET Website of Agriculture & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of the Central government and providing support from production to marketing. So far, 9,686 farmers have registered their names in the HORTINET Website.