The Andhra Pradesh government has prepared the ground for exporting the Banginapalli variety of mango cultivated in the Nuzvid region. From this summer onwards, it will be exported to countries in Asia and Western Europe, like Germany.
Nearly 100 acres of mango orchards from the Reddigudem area in the Nuzvid division in Krishna district have been identified for export. They have been identified by roping in farmers and exporters.
According to the Horticulture Department Assistant Director, B. Dayakar Babu, “The first strategic meet, attended by farmers, exporters, and experts from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), has pointed out possibilities for export of the Banginapalli variety to Asia and Europe (Germany).”
However, the farmers are being guided by experts from the Command Area Development Programme, APEDA and the exporters on exporting standards, methods of cultivation, ripening methods and preferences of fertilizers to be acceptable by the importing countries.
Adding to it, “Identification of mango orchards and registration of farmers with the APEDA have been completed. A fund of ₹7 crore has also been granted by the Union government for developing the export chain system, like creating storage godowns and capacity building for farmers.”
The Japan International Cooperation Agency is the funding agency which has signed the agreement with the Central government for the development of infrastructure and livelihood options to address poverty.
According to Horticulture officials, “The State government will connect the farmer to the exporting agency or individual, exploring the export options for the local mango farmers.”
The ‘Farmer Producers’ Organisations’ have been formed which will allow the farmers to trade their produce collectively. Majority of the mango orchards identified for the exporting initiative are under micro irrigation system.
Source: The Hindu
