Gujarat Goes Global: Mango Mania Hits 3,000 MT Milestone in 5 Years!

Image Source: Free Press Journal

Key highlights

Gujarat's mango industry is enjoying international renown, with more than 3,000 metric tonnes of mangoes exported in the last five years alone. With 856 MT exported in 2024–25 alone, the state's fragrant and delectably flavored Kesar mango has become a star attraction for sophisticated buyers in the United States, South Africa, and other premium overseas markets.

Export Surge Driven by Kesar Variety and Wise Policy

At the forefront of the surge is Gujarat's iconic Kesar mango, valued for its distinctive fragrance, rich saffron color, and velvety sweetness, that has secured Geographical Indication (GI) for Talala Gir produce.

Valsad is at the forefront of the state's mango growing with 38,000 hectares of mango, followed by Navsari, Gir Somnath, Kutch, and Surat. Altogether, over 1.77 lakh hectares in Gujarat are under mangoes, which is 37% of the state's fruit growing area.

Government programs and subsidies to farmers have brought more area under cultivation, created pack houses, and bettered logistics. The Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility at Bavla, close to Ahmedabad, a USDA-APHIS-approved facility, has been a game-changer by making available proper irradiation for export regulatory compliance, reducing post-harvest losses, and decreasing transportation costs.

Global Markets and Infrastructure Boost

The United States and South Africa have become prominent importers, attracted by the stringent quality controls and extended shelf life achievable through irradiation domestically and improved air-cargo facilities.

Gujarat has exported 805 MT of mangoes from the Bavla irradiation facility in five years, eradicating dependence on gamma irradiation facilities in Mumbai and rendering direct export more lucrative and efficient for farmers. As annual production has exceeded 1 million tonnes and with more than 75,000 farmers involved in the industry, export expansion is meaning increased incomes, employment generation, and global recognition for the state produce.

Gujarat's integrated approach—combining cultivation support, quality certification, and logistics—has turned the state into a mango powerhouse of the world, with its Kesar mangoes now a regular feature in overseas markets.

Sources: Economic Times Government, DeshGujarat