PATNA: The state government has introduced a scheme specially designed for mango cultivation to provide targeted help and support to farmers involved in the production of the fruit in the region, agriculture minister Mangal Pandey told TOI Sheezan Nezami in an interview. Quote:
Where does the country stand in terms of mango production?
Bihar produces 15.84 lakh MT of mangoes and ranks third in the country in mango production.
Plan to increase production and ranking
We have moved from the fourth rank to the third rank in terms of mango production in the country. From this financial year, we have a special scheme formulated for mangoes which will require more focused support to mango farmers. In addition, we practice the convergence of different schemes (micro-irrigation, input support, post-harvest support) to increase production further. We also promote the development of special plant clusters for more focused intervention from the government, better reach of farmers to support and markets with better bargaining power.
Don’t you think fruits from Bihar need proper marketing and branding?
Bihar is home to a variety of unique mango flavors, including Dudhia Malda, Jardalu, Zarda and Amrapli. Previously, production was the focus, now we focus on the market and, of course, branding. Proper marketing and branding can make a significant difference in how the fruits of our country are perceived and valued in the market. Alphonso mangoes have become a household name due to their effective branding efforts, showcasing their unique qualities and appealing to consumers around the world. In addition, Dudhia Malda and Zarda mangoes, with their distinct taste and aroma, should be considered to reach a wider market outside our country.
What about international markets and exports? Are there any plans in that direction?
Currently, Bihar exports about 1200+ MT of fresh mangoes and hence we see a huge potential to increase exports from the state. With the support of the Agricultural and Processed Export Development Authority (APEDA), there are already mango exports to the UK, the Middle East, and now New Zealand, but this needs to be improved. The state government is very focused on exports and has been working towards this goal. We have facilitated the registration of mango farmers’ farms on the APEDA website, have assisted in the issuance of export licenses to 11 Farmer Producer Companies, and have set up a packhouse in Mithapur area, Patna.
Two mango festivals were recently held in the country. How was the response?
The response to both events has been overwhelmingly positive and this is evident from the footfall and participation in the many events organized at the festival. One would think that the back-to-back event would see the footfall divided but in fact, it has resulted in more visitors and gives the general public the opportunity to enjoy another fruit king. Both events were well received.
Are there any plans to organize the festival outside Bihar?
Yes, maybe in Delhi. The department will plan this event and will definitely try to increase the range of our country’s unique mango varieties. Along with the GI tagged ‘Jardalu mango’, we have Dudhia Malda, Amrapli, Krishbhog and Zarda. We are moving forward to increase our product reach to a larger consumer base across the country and, in fact, across the globe. In addition to events, we plan to participate in national and international exhibitions to promote our varieties as well.
What are the special schemes to help mango farmers in production and in the market?
We have a ‘Mango Development Scheme’ to promote the expansion of mango area with 50% subsidy at a unit cost of Rs 60,000 per hectare. Furthermore, we also facilitate a micro-irrigation scheme that provides 80% support for Drip, Mini, and Micro sprinklers to small and marginal farmers (70% for other farmers) and 80% support for community borewells. We also have support for crates and fruit trap bags which are essential in the production and post-production stages.
Where does the country stand in terms of mango production?
Bihar produces 15.84 lakh MT of mangoes and ranks third in the country in mango production.
Plan to increase production and ranking
We have moved from the fourth rank to the third rank in terms of mango production in the country. From this financial year, we have a special scheme formulated for mangoes which will require more focused support to mango farmers. In addition, we practice the convergence of different schemes (micro-irrigation, input support, post-harvest support) to increase production further. We also promote the development of special plant clusters for more focused intervention from the government, better reach of farmers to support and markets with better bargaining power.
Don’t you think fruits from Bihar need proper marketing and branding?
Bihar is home to a variety of unique mango flavors, including Dudhia Malda, Jardalu, Zarda and Amrapli. Previously, production was the focus, now we focus on the market and, of course, branding. Proper marketing and branding can make a significant difference in how the fruits of our country are perceived and valued in the market. Alphonso mangoes have become a household name due to their effective branding efforts, showcasing their unique qualities and appealing to consumers around the world. In addition, Dudhia Malda and Zarda mangoes, with their distinct taste and aroma, should be considered to reach a wider market outside our country.
What about international markets and exports? Are there any plans in that direction?
Currently, Bihar exports about 1200+ MT of fresh mangoes and hence we see a huge potential to increase exports from the state. With the support of the Agricultural and Processed Export Development Authority (APEDA), there are already mango exports to the UK, the Middle East, and now New Zealand, but this needs to be improved. The state government is very focused on exports and has been working towards this goal. We have facilitated the registration of mango farmers’ farms on the APEDA website, have assisted in the issuance of export licenses to 11 Farmer Producer Companies, and have set up a packhouse in Mithapur area, Patna.
Two mango festivals were recently held in the country. How was the response?
The response to both events has been overwhelmingly positive and this is evident from the footfall and participation in the many events organized at the festival. One would think that the back-to-back event would see the footfall divided but in fact, it has resulted in more visitors and gives the general public the opportunity to enjoy another fruit king. Both events were well received.
Are there any plans to organize the festival outside Bihar?
Yes, maybe in Delhi. The department will plan this event and will definitely try to increase the range of our country’s unique mango varieties. Along with the GI tagged ‘Jardalu mango’, we have Dudhia Malda, Amrapli, Krishbhog and Zarda. We are moving forward to increase our product reach to a larger consumer base across the country and, in fact, across the globe. In addition to events, we plan to participate in national and international exhibitions to promote our varieties as well.
What are the special schemes to help mango farmers in production and in the market?
We have a ‘Mango Development Scheme’ to promote the expansion of mango area with 50% subsidy at a unit cost of Rs 60,000 per hectare. Furthermore, we also facilitate a micro-irrigation scheme that provides 80% support for Drip, Mini, and Micro sprinklers to small and marginal farmers (70% for other farmers) and 80% support for community borewells. We also have support for crates and fruit trap bags which are essential in the production and post-production stages.
