Karnataka to Launch Platform for Domestic Alphonso Mango Sales

The Karnataka Mango Development and Marketing Corporation (KMDMC) is set to introduce a dedicated software platform to streamline the domestic marketing of Alphonso mangoes, a move aimed at benefiting both growers and consumers. The announcement was made by T.R. Vedamurthy, Managing Director of KMDMC, during the inauguration of a three-day training programme on innovative mango production technologies at Kumbhapur near Dharwad on Friday.

Boosting Returns for Growers and Quality for Consumers

The platform is designed to create an organised marketplace for mango farmers, ensuring better prices for their produce while providing premium-quality Alphonso mangoes to domestic buyers. Vedamurthy emphasized that this initiative would also enhance the corporation’s financial returns.

Alphonso mangoes from Dharwad, known for their superior quality, are already in high demand in international markets, particularly among the South Asian diaspora in the UK and Europe. However, this new platform aims to strengthen their presence in the domestic market, offering a structured avenue for sales within India.

Export Certification and Value Addition

Vedamurthy also highlighted the importance of obtaining certification from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for the Integrated Pack House in Dharwad, a facility crucial for mango exports. He proposed a grading system to optimise returns: Grade A mangoes for export, Grade B for the domestic market, and Grade C for pulp processing. This approach would ensure value addition and maximise benefits for growers.

Support for Mango Cultivators

The corporation has pledged full support to mango farmers in implementing these measures. During his visit to the Integrated Pack House, Vedamurthy reviewed ongoing projects and received a memorandum from the Mango Growers’ Association outlining their demands.

This initiative underscores Karnataka's commitment to enhancing the mango supply chain, ensuring quality for consumers while securing better livelihoods for farmers.

Source: The Hindu