Now, mangoes go to China

PUNE: Now, its export of mangoes to China.The first container of ''kesar'' mangoes from Marathwada was despatched to Hong Kong last week from Aurangabad.
In a statement released here today, the Maharashtra state agriculture produce marketing committee (APMC) said the 7 metric tonne load, in 2,600 boxes, was despatched on May 20. It is expected to reach Hong Kong in 22 days.
The export follows long standing efforts of the state''s APMC and a visit to the Jai Kisan Fruit and Vegetable Cooperative Society, near Aurangabad, by a Chinese delegation.Having approved the facilities, with the delegation is believed to have cleared subsequent exports, too.
The APMC statement noted that the mangoes have been sourced from 17 farmers from the six districts of Aurangabad, Jalna, Beed, Ahmednagar, Nashik and Jalgaon. Each mango weighs between 250-300 gms and an elaborate fruit gathering and packaging procedure, including pre-cooling and storage in cold stores, was followed since the produce was meant for export.
The export has been facilitated by the state''s APMC and the Mango Growers Association, Aurangabad. Last year, the state''s APMC participated in a ''mango festival'' in China, showcasing the ''kesar'' mango of the Marathwada region. RM Kharche, executive director, Maharashtra state APMC, remarked that with the successful despatch of the first consignment, they are now preparing to send a second container-load.