Export of Muthalamada mangoes on rise

Pioneer News Service Palakkad KOCHI Friday, July 11, 2008

The Muthalamada panchayat in the district is known as the 'Mango city of Kerala' for its quality off-season mangoes from more than 2,500 hectares of orchards. More than 70 per cent of the fruits are sold beyond the State in Mumbai, Delhi and other places in India and abroad.

The mangoes are harvested here before the start of the season elsewhere in the world, except Peru and Colombia, in March. Hence, these have international demand and get good prices. The exports start from January.

The Moovandan variety is harvested twice a year, which is rare. The climate and location of Muthalamada, which lies on the lap of the Nelliampathy Hills and the Parambikulam forests bordering Tamil Nadu, are said to be the reason for the twin flowering.

The main varieties cultivated here are Alphonso, Suvarnarekha, Mallika, Banganapally and Neelam and the local Moovandan, Chakkarakatty, Chandrakaran and so on. As much as 18,000 tonnes are exported a year, at an estimated value of over Rs 5.5 crore.

The 730 farmers have 2 to 5 acres of mango orchards. They do not have facilities to pack the fruit to international standards in chemical-free hygienic conditions and lack marketing skills.

Now, the Agriculture Department is trying to raise mango cultivation and exports from here to international standards. The packing houses are not up to Indian or international standards.

Hygienic surroundings, clean water, grading equipment and treating chambers are necessary for ensuring quality.

Jose Varghese, Deputy Director of Agriculture, says the State Horticulture Mission has taken steps to implement a project for improving the packing houses and ripening methods.

Ripening with ethylene is an internationally accepted method, both cheaper and eco-friendly. This is the effective substitute for the unhealthy use of calcium carbide.

Varghese says treating raw mango with hot water is a natural method that frees the fruit of rot and pests, increases the shelf life and gives an attractive golden-yellow colour to the skin. Controlling fruit flies, the main cause of rot, is a challenge. Farmers are extensively using chemicals against these infestation.

In the long run, this will cause severe health problems to them and the consumers. Thus, the Horticulture Mission has initiated steps for the use of methyl eugenol. These are available as traps, two of which are sufficient for an acre.

Jose Varghese says 40 farmers will be taken to the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, Bangalore, for training. Attempts are being made to help them take up organic farming and get organic certification for Muthalamada mangoes. This will help to fetch good prices.