‘Bihar ranks third in country in mango production’ | Patna News – Times of India
PATNA: The state govt has introduced a scheme designed specifically for mango cultivation in a bid to provide targeted assistance and support to farmers engaged in production of the fruit in the region, agriculture minister Mangal Pandey tells TOI’s Sheezan Nezami in an interview. Excerpts:
Where does the state stand in terms of mango production?
Bihar produces 15.84 lakh MT of mango and ranks third in the country in mango production.
Plans to further improve production and ranking
We have already moved from fourth rank to third rank in terms of mango production in the country. From this financial year, we have a dedicated scheme formulated for mango which will entail more focused support to mango farmers. Additionally, we are practicing the convergence of different schemes (micro-irrigation, input support, post-harvest support) for enhancing production further. We are also promoting cluster development of specific crops for more focused interventions from the govt, better reach of farmers to support and market with enhanced bargaining power.
Don’t you think fruits from Bihar need proper marketing and branding?
Bihar is home to many unique flavours of mango, including Dudhia Malda, Jardalu, Zarda and Amrapali. Earlier, production was the focus, now we are focusing on the market and, of course, branding. Proper marketing and branding can make a significant difference in how fruits from our state are perceived and valued in the market. Alphonso mangoes have become a household name due to effective branding efforts, showcasing their unique qualities and appealing to consumers across the globe. Similarly, Dudhia Malda and Zarda mangoes, with their distinct flavour and aroma, deserve similar attention to reach wider markets outside our state
What about the international market and exports? Any plans in that direction?
Presently, Bihar exports around 1200+ MT of fresh mango and hence we see a huge potential for increasing exports from the State. With support from the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), there has been mango export to the UK, Middle East, and now New Zealand, but this needs to scale up. The state govt is very focused on the export and has been working towards this goal. We are facilitating the registration of mango farmers’ orchards on the APEDA website, have assisted in export license issuance to 11 Farmer Producer Companies, and have established a packhouse in the Mithapur, Patna area.
Two mango festivals were recently organised in the state. How was the response?
The response to both events has been amazingly positive and this was proven from the footfall and participation in the many events organized in the festival. One would think that back-to-back similar events would see divided footfall but in fact, it has resulted in more visitors and given the opportunity to the common public to enjoy the king of fruit more. Both events were well received.
Any plans to organize such festivals outside Bihar?
Yes, maybe in Delhi. The department will plan for this event and would definitely try to enhance the reach of our state’s unique mango varieties. Along with the GI-tagged ‘Jardalu mango’, we have Dudhia Malda, Amrapali, Krishbhog and Zarda. We are progressive towards enhancing the reach of our produce to a larger consumer base across the country and, in fact, globally. Apart from events, we are planning to participate in national and international expos to promote our varieties as well.
Any special scheme to help mango growers both in terms of production as well as in the market?
We have ‘Mango Development Scheme’ for enhancing mango’s area expansion with a 50% subsidy at the unit cost of Rs 60,000 per hectare. Further, we are also facilitating a micro irrigation scheme extending 80% support on Drip, Mini, and Micro sprinkler to small and marginal farmers (70% for other farmers) and 80% support on community borewells. We also have support for crates and fruit trap bags which are essential in the production and post-production stage.
Where does the state stand in terms of mango production?
Bihar produces 15.84 lakh MT of mango and ranks third in the country in mango production.
Plans to further improve production and ranking
We have already moved from fourth rank to third rank in terms of mango production in the country. From this financial year, we have a dedicated scheme formulated for mango which will entail more focused support to mango farmers. Additionally, we are practicing the convergence of different schemes (micro-irrigation, input support, post-harvest support) for enhancing production further. We are also promoting cluster development of specific crops for more focused interventions from the govt, better reach of farmers to support and market with enhanced bargaining power.
Don’t you think fruits from Bihar need proper marketing and branding?
Bihar is home to many unique flavours of mango, including Dudhia Malda, Jardalu, Zarda and Amrapali. Earlier, production was the focus, now we are focusing on the market and, of course, branding. Proper marketing and branding can make a significant difference in how fruits from our state are perceived and valued in the market. Alphonso mangoes have become a household name due to effective branding efforts, showcasing their unique qualities and appealing to consumers across the globe. Similarly, Dudhia Malda and Zarda mangoes, with their distinct flavour and aroma, deserve similar attention to reach wider markets outside our state
What about the international market and exports? Any plans in that direction?
Presently, Bihar exports around 1200+ MT of fresh mango and hence we see a huge potential for increasing exports from the State. With support from the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), there has been mango export to the UK, Middle East, and now New Zealand, but this needs to scale up. The state govt is very focused on the export and has been working towards this goal. We are facilitating the registration of mango farmers’ orchards on the APEDA website, have assisted in export license issuance to 11 Farmer Producer Companies, and have established a packhouse in the Mithapur, Patna area.
Two mango festivals were recently organised in the state. How was the response?
The response to both events has been amazingly positive and this was proven from the footfall and participation in the many events organized in the festival. One would think that back-to-back similar events would see divided footfall but in fact, it has resulted in more visitors and given the opportunity to the common public to enjoy the king of fruit more. Both events were well received.
Any plans to organize such festivals outside Bihar?
Yes, maybe in Delhi. The department will plan for this event and would definitely try to enhance the reach of our state’s unique mango varieties. Along with the GI-tagged ‘Jardalu mango’, we have Dudhia Malda, Amrapali, Krishbhog and Zarda. We are progressive towards enhancing the reach of our produce to a larger consumer base across the country and, in fact, globally. Apart from events, we are planning to participate in national and international expos to promote our varieties as well.
Any special scheme to help mango growers both in terms of production as well as in the market?
We have ‘Mango Development Scheme’ for enhancing mango’s area expansion with a 50% subsidy at the unit cost of Rs 60,000 per hectare. Further, we are also facilitating a micro irrigation scheme extending 80% support on Drip, Mini, and Micro sprinkler to small and marginal farmers (70% for other farmers) and 80% support on community borewells. We also have support for crates and fruit trap bags which are essential in the production and post-production stage.
