09 March,2014 10:42 AM IST | | Richa Pinto
The king of fruits undergoes various processes before export, say experts
Unsurprisingly, you're not alone in yearning for the king of fruits. As the mango season peaks, approximately 30-40 per cent of the produce is exported to the US and European cities such as London, claim traders. Traders, however, must follow a certain protocol of post-harvest treatment and only then are mangoes exported. Here's the skinny on the various processes:
Irradiation for the US
As per guidelines given to traders, irradiation of mangoes exported to the US is essential. Abhimanyu Mane, horticulture development officer, "The US' requirement manual states the use of irradiation. The fruit is exposed to certain radioactive rays such as Cobalt 16." The treatment takes place only at a plant in Lasalgao. Some traders say that a irradiation plant will come up at APMC by next year.
Vapor Heat Treatment
Mangoes being exported to New Zealand and Europe undergo the Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT). VHT is a process wherein the fruit is dipped in 52 degree Celsius boiling water for three minutes. Sanjay Pansare, director of the APMC fruit market, said, "One or two traders have set the VHT plant at their packaging centre. The rest get it done at a common centre in APMC."
No specific treatment is required to export mangoes to the Gulf countries. Export of Devgad and Ratnagiri mangoes to Gulf countries began a fortnight ago, said traders. Kaniaya Nishad, an exporter from APMC who exports mangoes to Dubai and Saudi Arabia, said, "Ten tons of mangoes are being exported to the Gulf countries. Once the season peaks, at least 500 tons will reach them.
