Exports of mangoes from Malda, West Bengal, encountered obstacles this season, with exporters unable to achieve favorable prices from international buyers, contrasting with the higher prices obtained within the domestic market. Disagreements over pricing prevented potential export agreements with importers from the UK and the UAE from materializing.
Despite these international setbacks, the domestic market showed robust demand, with approximately 17 tons of Malda mangoes fetching between Rs 100 and Rs 150 per kilogram at a Delhi expo. This year's wholesale prices saw a significant increase, attributed to a reduced crop yield coupled with high-quality produce. According to Samanta Layek, Malda's Deputy Director of Horticulture, export negotiations with buyers from the UK and Dubai were ultimately abandoned due to pricing disputes.
Ujjwal Saha, the general secretary of the West Bengal Exporters' Coordination Committee, noted that there was initial progress in exporting 1,300 kgs of the Himsagar variety, but final price agreement could not be reached. Efforts to resume mango exports from Malda after a two-year hiatus were unsuccessful. Layek also highlighted that mango production suffered a 60% decline this year due to adverse weather conditions, with production dropping to 220,000 tons from the previous year's 379,000 tons.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: deccanherald.com