UP to boost mango exports with new treatment plant

The Yogi Adityanath government plans to establish a radiation treatment plant near Jewar International Airport to boost Uttar Pradesh’s mango exports. This first-of-its-kind facility in North India will meet strict international standards and reduce costs and delays. Advanced treatment will enhance fruit shelf life, while initiatives to improve mango yield and quality are also underway.

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To enhance Uttar Pradesh’s position in the global mango export market, the Yogi Adityanath government plans to set up a radiation treatment plant near Jewar international airport in Noida. This facility, the first of its kind in North India, aims to meet the stringent export standards of the United States and European countries.

Currently, mangoes from Uttar Pradesh must be sent to existing treatment plants in Mumbai and Bengaluru, which house popular local varieties like Alphonso and Banganapalle. This process results in delays, higher costs, and potential quality issues for the fruit. The new plant, designed as a public-private partnership, will utilize advanced radiation treatment technology to eliminate harmful bacteria and pests, thereby extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and grains for international export.

The Yogi government is also implementing canopy management techniques to improve mango yield and quality by rejuvenating older orchards. At a recent seminar organized by the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture in Lucknow, Israeli scientist Yuvan Cohen underscored the importance of aligning India’s mango production with European market preferences.

Despite being the world’s leading mango producer, with Uttar Pradesh contributing over a third of India’s yield, the state’s export performance remains significantly low. India’s global mango export share is merely 0.52%, lagging behind countries like Thailand (24%), Mexico (18%), and Brazil (11%).

During a meeting with Agriculture Production Commissioner Devesh Chaturvedi, representatives from Innova Food noted strong demand for UP’s Chausa and Langda mango varieties in the US and Europe. Additionally, introducing red mango varieties—known for their visual appeal and health benefits—could further boost Uttar Pradesh’s export strategy. Rich in anthocyanins, these mangoes may aid in combating obesity, diabetes, and cognitive decline, appealing to health-conscious consumers in global markets.