Alphonso mangoes may cost less this year!

Good news to the all mango lovers, this summer you may get Maharashtra Alphonso mango at reduced price. It’s due to Maharashtra government’s initiative to reduce transportation cost.

As per the proposal of the Agriculture Department, mango-growers from the Konkan region, where the Alphonso magoes are largely cultivated, can directly ship their produce to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). They can load their product in containers at the Jaigad port and off-load at the JNPT.

"Once at the JNPT, farmers have the choice of export, going to the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) or directly to the consumers," officials in the Agriculture Department said adding that the overall cost of the mangoes can come down up to ten per cent.

Currently, mangoes are transported in trucks from Konkan. "This affects the quality, increases the diesel cost, handling charges, resulting in high price of the Alphonso mango," officials informed.

They said, farmers also have to pay six per cent cess at the APMC.

Mango producers can directly take their product to the consumers. "This will benefit the consumers and producers," they said.

Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board will be the nodal agency. "Modalities are being worked out on whether the board should hire private agency for the loading and off loading," officials added.

Source: INDIAN EXPRESS