Tamil Nadu traders are upbeat over bumper mango crop

Mango sellers in Tamil Nadu are optimistic of good returns, as mango production has doubled this year compared to last year.

Salem (TN), June 24 : Mango sellers in Tamil Nadu are optimistic of good returns, as mango production has doubled this year compared to last year.

Good showers coupled with favourable climate have given a fillip to the fruit production.

Truckloads make daily visits to deliver mangoes to Salem about 500 kilometers from Chennai.

"Last year the production yield was only 30 percent but this year it has grown to 70 percent. The business season is between April, May and June. Compared to last year, business is also better. This year the export of the fruit is also good," said Jayapal, President of the District Fruit and Vegetable Processors Federation, Salem.

The shopkeepers, sitting amidst heaps of mangoes, are busy striking deals.

"Mango varieties like Imayat, Manganapalli sell very well. Everyday, two to three lorry loads of mangoes comes to each shop. All is sold in a day," said Muniyamma.

Markets in Salem are abuzz with buyers. Sunder, a buyer, said: "I have come to Salem from Chennai for buying mangoes. Salem mangoes are tastier and lot of varieties are available here. I purchase mangoes here and distribute them among friends and relatives".

Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Assam, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are major mango-growing states.

India is the world's biggest producer of this tropical fruit contributing to 59 percent of total production, but its share in the world mango market is less than 15 percent.

India exports about 30,000 tonnes of mangoes every year to nearly 40 countries including Britain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Canada and the Untied States. Mangoes account for around 39 percent of the total fruit exports from India.

ANI