India, the world's third largest citrus fruit producer, has shown interest in the Tang Gold mandarin, promoting its cultivation in the country. A trade delegation led by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Transport, and Vilas Shinde, President of Sahyadri Farms, visited Spain to learn about innovations in the citrus sector and explore trade agreements.
The visit began on February 18 in Valencia, and the delegation toured farms and warehouses in the Valencian Community and Andalusia. In Polinyà del Xúquer (Valencia), they visited the Synent experimental farm, managed by AVA-ASAJA, which focuses on agricultural R&D improvements. In Castellón, they learned about Frutinter's packaging technologies, and in Chulilla, Valencia, about the cultivation of Tang Gold on a farm in Chulilla.
On February 20, the delegation attended a business meeting at the San Telmo Business School in Seville. An agreement was signed with Eurosemillas to produce Tang Gold in Maharashtra, India. India. In addition, Sahyadri Farms showed interest in the extra-late Kino mandarin, known in India for its lack of seeds.
Narayana Murty, founder of Infosys, participated online at the event. Infosys, a leading technology company, is involved in the digitization of the Indian agricultural sector, which is key to the development of new varieties in the country.
On February 21, the delegation visited the El Oidor farm in Carmona, Seville, where they got to observe the performance of intensive Tang Gold and Kino mandarin, and Lamb Hass and Luna avocado crops operated by Eurosemillas.
India, with a population of 1.45 billion, produces more than 14 million tons of citrus a year, mainly for domestic consumption. However, the growth of its middle and upper classes has increased the demand for imported products, such as oranges from Egypt and South Africa. Spanish citrus exports to India are low due to logistical and phytosanitary barriers, but agreements such as the one signed with Sahyadri Farms could be the beginning of a greater presence in this emerging market.
Source: sevilla.abc.es