Gujarat's mango exports cross 3,000 MT in five years; U.S., South Africa top importers
The state has 1.77 lakh hectares under mango cultivation, which accounts for 37% of Gujarat's total area under fruit and flower crops. Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel said that the Kesar mango continues to be in demand and is grown in multiple districts, including Talala Gir, which has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the variety. In addition to Talala Gir, the Kutch region has also seen an expansion in Kesar cultivation.
Valsad district currently has the highest area under mango cultivation at 38,000 hectares, followed by Navsari with 34,800 hectares, Gir Somnath with 18,400 hectares, Kutch with 12,000 hectares, and Surat with 10,200 hectares. Other mango varieties grown in Gujarat include Alphonso, Rajapuri, Totapuri, and Sonpari.
This year, 224 metric tonnes of Kesar mangoes were irradiated and exported through the Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility at Bavla near Ahmedabad. This unit is Gujarat's first USDA-APHIS certified gamma irradiation facility and the fourth in India. Since its inception, the Bavla facility has processed and exported 805 metric tonnes of mangoes over five years.
Earlier, farmers had to transport mangoes to Mumbai for irradiation, which led to higher costs and losses after harvest. With the Bavla unit, farmers now access this facility within the state, reducing travel costs and improving output handling.
Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Ltd., under the state Agriculture Department, has also developed a pack house and a perishable air cargo complex in Ahmedabad district. These are aimed at improving the mango export infrastructure. With USDA-APHIS certification, all three units are now operational. They assist in handling mangoes and pomegranates, lower post-harvest losses, and support consistent export standards.
Officials said these efforts are part of the government's larger plan to improve agricultural logistics and expand market access for fruit growers.
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