Hail and an untimely spell of spring rain may slow down the successful run of the popular kesar mangoes of Maharashtra’s Marathwada district in international markets.

Not more than 70 tonnes, that is only 25 -30 per cent, are likely to hit the US market this year with the Mango Growers’ Association (MGA) now anxious about the quality of the fruit. MGA is a nodal organisation that works for the promotion of export of kesar mangoes.

Trayambak Pathrikar, Secretary, MGA said about 170-200 tonnes of kesar mangoes were exported in 2008. The figure slashed in 2009 and only 130-150 tonnes reached the US market. This year, the export is apprehended to slip to 50 to 70 tonnes, he added.

“Hailstorms and heavy rains have damaged the kesar crop to a great extent. Aurangabad district was lashed by heavy rains twice, which affected the fruit in almost every tehsil in the district. The mangoes have holes and bruises and their quality is unfit for export. As a result , only 25 -30 per cent mangoes are expected to hit the export market this year. We won’t be able to meet the export targets,” said Pathrikar.

Publication date: 6/4/2010