Mangoes in Egypt are experiencing an abundant season, leading to a decrease in prices to half of last year's rates. The country's fruitful yield is attributed to favourable weather conditions during key growth phases, enhancing both quality and quantity of the fruit. Ayman Hamouda, director of the Horticulture Research Institute in Cairo, reports a lack of significant crop issues this year, contrasting with the challenges faced in previous years due to climate change and adverse weather conditions.
The surge in production has resulted in a glut, reducing prices and presenting an opportunity for increased exports and ventures into food processing. As of mid-August, mango exports have reached 37,038 tons, positioning the fruit seventh in Egypt's agricultural export list for the year. The main importers of Egyptian mangoes include countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and the UK, with exports to Europe from September 2023 to February 2024 amounting to 68,000 tons, valued at $77 million.
Hussein Abu Saddam, chairman of the Farmers Syndicate, attributes the production boost to early flowering that preceded this year's heatwaves, enhancing the trees' resilience. The saturation of the market with mangoes, alongside other summer fruits, has also contributed to the decreased demand and prices. Efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and Export Councils to access new markets have facilitated the rise in mango exports, with Lebanon being the latest addition.
Abdel-Hamid Al-Demerdash, head of the Export Council for Agricultural Crops, outlines the process of tapping new export markets, which involves initial private-sector initiatives followed by governmental agreements. Sayed Khalifa, head of the Agricultural Syndicate, notes the expansion of mango cultivation on reclaimed land in Lower and Upper Egypt as another factor in increased production.
Source: english.ahram.org.eg