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Kollapur mangoes go Down Under and all over
Joy of Kollapur mango farmers knew no bounds with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) deciding to export 50 tonnes of mangoes to Australia, the USA and the UK.
Mahbubnagar: Joy of Kollapur mango farmers knew no bounds with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) deciding to export 50 tonnes of mangoes to Australia, the USA and the UK.
The farmers of the backward district are dependent mostly on dry crops. Moreover, the district is noted for migration of people to other places in search of work. The news of exporting mangoes from the constituency brought cheers to them.
The Kollapur mango, whose export is limited to district and state, will soon cross the country’s borders for distant shores. The APEDA is making all arrangements for the export of mangoes. With this decision good days appear to be imminent for the Kollapur mango farmers.
Right from the days of Surabhi rulers, who ruled the Kollapur, the area is renowned for mango cultivation. The region is known for cultivation of Banginapalli, Baneshan, Rasaalu and other varieties right from the rulers of Jataprolu princely state and Surabhi rulers. The most popularly cultivated variety is Baneshan.
Mangoes are exported to Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The demand is very high for Kollapur mangoes. The APEDA officials examined mango gardens of at least 400 farmers before taking the decision to export the fruit overseas.
Last year the crop was good, but the gales inflicted heavy loss to farmers. In this background, exporting mangoes to overseas countries is kindling hopes of earning a handsome amount.
Mango gardens were developed in an extent of 10,000 hectares in the constituency. However, only 70 trees are grown in an acre. These include Beenisa and Dakkari varieties. These varieties command a special price in the market. Many farmers are cultivating mangoes in Kollapur, which is in the ayacut area of River Krishna.
Nearly 10,000 farmers are dependent on mango gardens for their livelihood. There is sheen in the eyes of farmers since the mango crop compared to the last year has better prospects. The yield of mangoes, which is 5-7 tonnes a hectare, is likely to go up further.
Gales and unseasonal rains will have adverse impact on mango gardens during flowering stage. The farmers have been demanding a mango market in Kollapur. The Kollapur mangoes are also ideal for pickles.
The paddy, groundnut and maize farmers of the district are facing rough weather for want of remunerative price for their produce. The state government coming to the rescue of the mango farmer is described as a welcome development. The government is saddled with the responsibility of boosting the morale of the farmer in the otherwise drought-prone Mahbubnagar district.
By Narender Chary
