Mangoes may become dearer

Vijayawada: Mangoes may become dearer this year compared to last year and the prices may not come down till end of the season, said Andhra Pradesh Horticulture Department commissioner Chiranjeevi Chowdary.

Addressing the mango buyers and sellers meeting here on Friday, he said that the mango production has come down abnormally this year across the country. He attributed low yield due to unfavourable climatic conditions. He said the government would provide required infrastructure for export purpose. 

The government was encouraging mango exports by creating facilities and establishing new connectivity between buyers and farmers, he disclosed. He said the two vapour heat treatment plants were set up at Nuzvid and Tirupati. The government was providing transport facilities, cold storages and green houses for the benefit of farmers.

As many 21 exporters registered their names in the department, he said and added that the quality production plays an important role in the export. He asked the farmers to improve the production quality as per the market requirement.

Already, Korea, Germany and the Gulf countries are purchasing Andhra Pradesh’s mango produce, he said. The official said the state was top position in the country in horticulture and as well as mango production. The popular Nuzvid mango plantations became old, he said and added that his department introduced regeneration process using technology and implementing new procedures.
   
Deputy Director V Hanumantha Rao said that mango is cultivated nearly in 10 lakh acres. He said that the production has come down up to 30 per cent in the current season. The government was taking all steps to extend support to mango farmers and exporters. He said the buyers and sellers could share their views directly during meetings. Several officials, mango buyers and sellers were also present in the meeting.