(a) whether bumper mango crop is expected this year particularly in the State of Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, whether the Government have drawn up an action plan to export the mango to foreign countries to save the farmers from selling their crop for unremunerative prices; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI MURASOLI MARAN)
(a) : According to crop forecast report received by the National Horticulture Board, bumper mango crop is expected this year in Krishna district and coastal mango producing belt of Andhra Pradesh.
(b) & ( c) : The Government have taken various measures for improving quality production and export of mangoes. The steps taken in this regard include the following :
(i) In order to educate farmers/ growers for production of high quality mangoes, integrated training programmes have been initiated for pre and post harvest management in selected mango producing areas and belts in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and UP. Such training programmes have been organised in Vijayawada, Ranga Reddy districts and other mango producing belts in Andhra Pradesh for Banganapalli variety. Selected orchards are being monitored for progress in quality improvement. Post harvest manuals have been prepared in regional languages for promotion of mangoes.
(ii) Establishment of vapour heat treatment facilities for improving the acceptability of the product especially mangoes in overseas markets. Research efforts are on for the use of modern technologies such as
Controlled/ Modified Atmosphere technologies in transportation for increasing the shelf-life of perishable fresh fruits including mangoes. This year it is proposed to arrange shipment of mangoes from Andhra Pradesh in Controlled Atmosphere containers. This is expected to reduce freight cost and make exports competitive.
(iii) Grant of financial assistance for improved packaging, and strengthening of quality control including installation of latest ISO 9000/HACCP equipments at export units;
(iv) Arranging promotional campaigns such as buyer-seller meets and participation in important international fairs and exhibitions;
(v) Setting up of integrated cargo handling and cold storage facilities at various International Airports for handling export of perishable items including mangoes;
(vi) Providing technical advisory services and other support services to, trade and industry including training of farmers for export production, quality control packaging, transport, etc.