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Time of India
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mango accounts for 37% of horticulture area in Gujarat: Govt
Gandhinagar: On the occasion of National Mango Day, which will be observed on Tuesday, the state govt said that mango cultivation accounts for more than one-third of the total area under cultivation for horticulture crops in Gujarat. In 2024–25, mango cultivators in the state exported over 856 metric tonnes of mangoes, the govt said on Monday. Quoting state agriculture minister Raghavji Patel, the statement said that over 1.77 lakh hectares, accounting for 37% of Gujarat's total 4.71 lakh hectares under horticultural crops, are dedicated solely to mango cultivation. Patel said that Gujarat's favourable climate and soil conditions support the growth of not only the Kesar mango but also other varieties such as alphonso, rajapuri, totapuri and sonpari. Mango cultivation in Gujarat is primarily concentrated in the districts of Valsad, Navsari, Gir Somnath, Kutch and Surat. In 2024–25, Valsad led with the highest area under mango cultivation at 38,000 hectares, followed by Navsari with 34,800 ha, Gir Somnath with 18,400 ha, Kutch with 12,000 ha and Surat with over 10,200 ha. Approximately 224 metric tonnes of Kesar mangoes were irradiated and exported this year through the Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility, established by the state govt at Bavla near Ahmedabad. This facility is Gujarat's first and the country's fourth irradiation unit certified by Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the statement added. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Gujarat's mango exports cross 3,000 MT in five years; U.S., South Africa top importers
Mango cultivators in Gujarat have exported more than 3,000 metric tonnes of mangoes over the past five years, with 856 metric tonnes exported during 2024–25 alone, according to data released by the state government. These figures point to an increase in exports and a widening market for mangoes from Gujarat, including in countries such as the United States and South Africa. 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.
Hans India
21-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Gujarat mango exports surpass 3,000 MT in five years, Kesar variety in high demand abroad
Ahmedabad: Gujarat's mango exports have steadily grown over the past five years, with the state exporting 856 metric tonnes in 2024–25, taking the total to more than 3,000 metric tonnes since 2019, government officials said on Monday. The mangoes have been shipped to several international markets, including the US and South Africa, with the Kesar variety drawing particular demand due to its distinct flavour and aroma, according to official information by the Gujarat government. According to state Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel, mango cultivation now covers around 1.77 lakh hectares in Gujarat, accounting for 37 per cent of the state's total fruit cultivation area. Major mango-producing districts include Valsad, Navsari, Gir Somnath, Kutch and Surat, with Valsad alone reporting more than 38,000 hectares under mango farming in 2024–25. The state's export process is supported by the Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility in Bavla, near Ahmedabad. The unit handled 224 metric tonnes of irradiated Kesar mangoes this year and has processed a total of 805 metric tonnes over five years. Certified by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Bavla facility is Gujarat's first and India's fourth such unit. Before it became operational, farmers had to send their produce to Mumbai for irradiation, increasing transport costs and spoilage. The facility now allows mangoes to be processed, packed, and exported directly from Ahmedabad. It is part of a broader infrastructure push that includes an integrated pack house and a perishable air cargo terminal, all managed by the Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation. This setup has improved shelf life, reduced wastage, and cut costs for mango growers, contributing to a more efficient export pipeline. Mango farming is a significant horticultural activity in Gujarat, particularly in districts like Valsad, Navsari, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Bhavnagar. The state is known for its premium varieties, especially the Kesar mango from the Gir region, which has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. As of 2024, Gujarat cultivates mangoes on over 1.3 lakh hectares of land, producing more than 10 lakh metric tonnes annually. Around 75,000 to 80,000 farmers are engaged in mango cultivation across the state. The state government and agricultural universities offer support through schemes, training, and export facilitation.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
3.3 lakh kg of mangoes worth Rs 4 crore sold during kesar mango festival at Ahmedabad Haat
Gandhinagar: The state govt said that 3.30 lakh kilogrammes of mangoes worth over Rs 4 crore were sold at the month-long Kesar Mango Festival 2025, which was held at the Ahmedabad Haat in the Vastrapur area of the city. Eighty-five mango farmers from across the state put up stalls at the mango festival, which was organised by the Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation. An official statement said that the state govt has been organising the Kesar Mango Festival since 2007 to ensure citizens get chemical-free mangoes and farmers get fair prices for their produce. This year's festival was organised for a month beginning May 16. State agriculture minister Raghavji Patel said that this year, farmers sold over 3.30 lakh kilogrammes of mangoes, earning an income of about Rs 4 crore. In the last festival organised in 2023, 2.70 lakh kg of mangoes were sold, he added. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad The govt said that stalls were allocated free of cost to cooperative societies and individual farmers. By eliminating middlemen, this mango festival allowed farmers to sell their quality mangoes directly, earning about 20% more profit than usual. Approximately over one lakh city dwellers visited the mango festival, the govt said.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rs 8.76cr financial aid boosts beekeeping in Gujarat
Slug: World Bee Day Gandhinagar: More than 11,300 farmers were provided training in beekeeping, said the state govt, ahead of the occasion of World Bee Day which is observed on Tuesday, May 20. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Financial assistance of Rs 8.76 crore was provided to promote beekeeping as a source of income, the govt added. An official statement quoting agriculture minister Raghavji Patel said that farmers are increasingly adopting beekeeping as a supplementary business alongside agriculture. "Over the last decade, there was a notable increase in the number of farmers engaged in ," the minister was quoted as saying. Through central and state govt schemes, Rs 8.76 crore was disbursed to farmers engaged in beekeeping. This includes Rs 4.18 crore to 1,245 beneficiaries for establishing bee colonies, Rs 4.15 crore to 1,234 beneficiaries for purchasing beehives, and Rs 33 lakh to 317 beneficiaries for honey extractors, according to the statement. Under Mission Bee, advanced training was provided to around 11,300 beneficiary farmers in the state so far. Special seminars are also being organised at Aravalli, Rajkot, Surendranagar, and Valsad, where beekeeping activities are popular. In 2024, the value of the beekeeping market in India was Rs 2,839.44 crore. India exported 1,07,963.21 metric tonnes of honey, valued at Rs 1,518.86 crore, the statement said. Retired scientist develops integrated hive management system Gandhinagar: A retired ISRO scientist, Madhukant Patel, developed an "integrated hive management system" — a beehive equipped with sensors to detect temperature, humidity, weight, and the buzzing of bees. It also includes a spectrometer that can determine the protein content, adulteration, and moisture level in honey. The handheld spectrometer estimates the quality and purity of honey and can trace its origin. This technology aims to increase the production of honey and other bee products like royal jelly, pollen, propolis, and wax, an official statement said.
