Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Thursday, Mar 27, 2003
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Thursday, Mar 27, 2003 |
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Agri-Biz & Commodities
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Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables Industry & Economy - Exports & Imports War creates a gulf for mango exports to W. Asia — Alphonso may come for a song in domestic market Sudha Menon
PUNE, March 26 THE war in Iraq has spelt trouble for more than just the denizens in the Gulf countries. In India, it has created a near panic situation amongst mango producers and exporters who are suddenly faced with significant drop in revenues even as flights into the Gulf countries are being curtailed due to the conflict, making it impossible to access the lucrative market for the fruit. On a more positive note, those with an undying love for the king of fruits, Alphonso, can now look forward to an extended season where they can partake of the fruit for a fraction of the price that they otherwise shell out for it. Officials of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee and Mahamango, a famer's co-operative which grows and exports the fruit under the guidance of the former told Business Line that they had not been able to export a single consignment so far due to outbreak of war in Iraq. A combination of refusal by shipping companies to venture into the Gulf region, curtailment of flights into the region, which is one of the largest market for mangoes and difficulty in insuring this highly perishable fruit has meant that exports into this region has practically stopped due to the war. "We have had a bumper crop this year and were expecting to export 200 tonnes of the fruit as against last year's 44 tonnes but so far we have not been able to export anything,'' Mr Babab Pawar, export officer with APMC said. For the domestic market this has translated into a bonanza with traders now having little option but to divert the fruit to the local markets. Mango lovers, who otherwise have to wait for May when the fruit becomes affordable, are having a feast this season what with a dozen of premium Alphonsoes now available for Rs 350 even in the expensive Mumbai market. Significantly, while a box of 3-4 dozen mangoes was available for Rs 1600 in Mumbai just before the outbreak of war, it is now available even for Rs 700. The fall in prices of the Alphonso is likely to trigger a fall in the price of other varities too, APMC officials said.
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