TIRUPATI: Chittoor mangoes are all set to tickle the taste buds of gourmets in Dubai and Europe.

The good news for mango growers is that they are going to be part of a Rs. 100-crore revolution in less than a year, if plans explained by Tirupati MP Chinta Mohan, are realised. Chittoor and bordering areas of Nellore and Kadapa contribute a fourth of the world's mango production.

Mr. Mohan, who had a year back assured the mango growers to get a cargo aircraft to Renigunta airport to facilitate export of the mouth-watering varieties to the Middle East and European countries, has announced on Sunday that funds to the tune of Rs. 21 crores had been sanctioned to upgrade the airport to meet the requirements of running cargo flights and that the works will start in September.

He said that the process would be completed by April, when the mango season begins in the district. Similarly, plans were afoot to export mangoes to European countries from the Chennai harbour.

At present, mangoes from Madurai region were being exported from Chennai through 20-tonne containers.

While assuring a price of Rs.10 a fruit for farmers against the Rs. 3 they are getting now from local markets, the MP asked them to adhere to international food quality norms.

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