Lucknow News: Govt sets sights on the US and European markets to boost mango exports  

• Yogi govt to set up North India's first radiation treatment plant near Jewar Airport to meet export standards
• New plant to eliminate harmful bacteria and pests, extending shelf life of the fruit  

Lucknow: In a move to elevate Uttar Pradesh's standing not just in mango production but also in global exports, the Yogi government will establish a radiation treatment plant near Jewar International Airport. This facility will be the first of its kind in North India, bringing the state closer to meeting the stringent export standards set by the United States and European countries.

Currently, such plants exist only in Mumbai and Bengaluru, whose local mango varieties, such as Alphonso, Bombay Green, Totapari, and Banganapalle dominate the export market. In the absence of a radiation treatment facility, mangoes from Uttar Pradesh are sent to these cities for the necessary treatment before being exported, resulting in significant delays, increased costs, and risks to fruit quality.

The new plant near Jewar Airport, to be built on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, will employ advanced radiation treatment technology. This process effectively eliminates harmful bacteria and pests, while also extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and grains, making them suitable for international export. 

By setting up this facility, the government aims to streamline the export process, reduce dependency on external treatment centers, and enhance the overall quality of produce exported from the region. 

With the upcoming radiation treatment plant near Jewar Airport, mango growers in Uttar Pradesh are set to gain seamless access to lucrative markets in the United States and Europe. As the largest mango-producing state in India, Uttar Pradesh’s farmers are expected to benefit significantly from new export opportunities, which will streamline the export process and open doors to international trade.

Additionally, the Yogi government is taking steps to further enhance the yield and quality of mangoes through canopy management techniques. This method, essential for rejuvenating old orchards, has gained official support through a recent government order, aimed at resolving delays in its implementation. 

Scientists are actively promoting this technique, encouraging orchardists to adopt canopy management to revitalize their aging mango trees. In the coming years, these efforts are expected to improve both the yield and quality of mangoes, boosting the state's export potential even further.

Under CM Yogi’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh is gearing up to tap into the immense potential of the global mango export market, with a special focus on the United States and European countries. At a recent national seminar on mangoes organized by the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) in Rehmankheda, Lucknow, Israeli scientist Yuvan Cohen emphasized that India should tailor its mango production to meet European preferences. 

CM Yogi has consistently advocated for agricultural diversification, encouraging farmers to align crop production with market demand. Although India is the world's top mango producer, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for over a third of the nation’s yield, its performance in terms of exports remains much below expectations.

India’s share in global mango exports stands at just 0.52%, far behind countries like Thailand (24%), Mexico (18%), Brazil (11%), Vietnam (5%), and Pakistan (4.57%). This underscores the vast potential for Indian mangoes, particularly those grown in Uttar Pradesh, to expand into international markets. 

Last year, during a meeting with Agriculture Production Commissioner Devesh Chaturvedi, a delegation from Innova Food highlighted the strong demand for the Chausa and Langda varieties in the US and Europe. These varieties are primarily grown in Uttar Pradesh, making the state well-positioned to meet this demand. The key lies in aligning production with market preferences and adhering to international export standards—a goal the Yogi government is actively working towards.

Also Read- Lucknow News: प्लांट चालू होने पर यूपी के आम के लिए यूएस और यूरोप के बाजार तक पहुंच होगी आसान।

Additionally, the introduction of red mango varieties, which are not only visually appealing but also rich in health benefits, adds another dimension to Uttar Pradesh’s mango export strategy. The red color of these mangoes is attributed to anthocyanin, a compound known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. 

Research suggests that anthocyanin may help combat obesity, diabetes, and age-related cognitive decline. With these added health benefits, red mangoes have the potential to attract health-conscious consumers in global markets.