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Mango pulp units begin production in Krishnagiri

S. Prasad

International buyers have not confirmed orders

ANTICIPATING BETTER PRICE: Mango pulp being packed in containers at a fruit processing unit at Paiyur near Krishnagiri on Monday. - Photo: N. Bashkaran

Krishnagiri: Unfazed by the decline in prices of mango pulp in the International market, fruit processing units in Krishnagiri have begun their own production.

International buyers have not confirmed their orders to pulp units this year because of increase in prices of mangoes when compared to the previous year. Instead of waiting for buyers pulp units have booked packaging materials including cans on credit with companies located in Hosur.

Export market

As the prices quoted by buyers were similar to that of the year 2004, pulp units have begun production anticipating a better selling price in the International market. On an average, about 2,500 containers of mango pulp is processed in Krishnagiri district every year which is about 40 per cent of the total mango pulp production in the country.

As more than 90 per cent of the production goes for exports, survival of the industry depends only on the stability in the export market.

But pulp units have not been able to forecast the exact price for a carton (18.6 kg) or get confirmed orders from buyers.

"The price of tothapuri pulp which was Rs. 3,000 for a tonne has now increased to Rs. 6,000 a tonne. Similarly price of Alphonso pulp has increased to Rs. 18,000 a tonne. Buyers who earlier paid $ 11 to 11.5 for a carton are now demanding $ 10 for a carton and have decided to wait and watch so that the prices go below $ 10. But pulp units have decided not to go below $ 11", according to the president of the Dharmapuri District Fruit and Vegetable Processors Federation G. Venkatasamy.

Fresh fruits

Though the district has more than 30,000 hectares under mango cultivation export of fresh fruits remains untapped. With value addition high for fresh fruits when compared with mango pulp the Mango Growers Association in Krishnagiri has planned to export fresh fruits as a separate wing.

A salubrious climate, proximity to an Airport in Bangalore has made Krishnagiri an ideal destination for promotion of choice varieties of mangoes especially Alphonso which is cultivated on a large scale in Karnataka. At present, Alphonso is procured from neighbouring State to meet their requirements of the processing industry.

Establishment of a cold supply chain, a vital link in export industry, grading and van with refrigeration facility and phytosanitation facilities would have a huge potential for development of direct exports of fresh fruits in the coming year, sources here point out.

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