Bengal mangoes get ready to storm Germany

West Bengal’s Lakhan-bhog and Amrapali varieties of mangoes are all set to hit the German markets, having already reached other European shores last year. The state Horticulture Department has been approached by a number of exporters interested in exporting the mangoes abroad, including Germany, said Mohanta Chatterjee of the Horticulture Department. The export of mangoes to Germany is expected to pave the way into yet more European countries. The department believes that mango exports from West Bengal have increased because of lower freight charges. The increasing interaction between Germany and the state may also be another factor. The quantity of mangoes to be exported from West Bengal to European countries will be tripled this year because of an increase in demand. “Last year, around 10 tons of mango were exported. This year, this demand is likely to touch 30 tons,” said Chatterjee. Besides fruit exporters, the department has also been approached by numerous ‘general exporters’. In a meeting held recently between department representatives and 100 exporters, issues related to mango export were also discussed. “Many exporters were unfamiliar with numerous procedures involved in the export of mangoes. From technical assistance to the ripening period for the fruit and also the identification of the growers, storage and packaging - exporters are seeking all kinds of information,” said a department official. However, despite the entry of West Bengal’s mangoes into the international market, the production of mangoes has been hampered by climatic conditions and is likely to be less than last year’s, added the minister.