Ratnagiri pushes MangoNet registration to open global market for Hapus mangoes

There is good news for mango growers in Ratnagiri district. Zilla Parishad agriculture committee chairman Mahesh Natekar said a special guidance drive will soon be launched to increase registrations under the "MangoNet" system. This will open the way for the district's Hapus mango growers to access the global market.

The decision was taken after a visit to the upgraded mango export centre run under the Agricultural Produce Market Committee at Vashi. A group of the district's elected representatives had recently visited the centre. The decision was made after a detailed study and discussion there, with the aim of getting Ratnagiri's Hapus mango growers access to the international market.

The initiative will allow thousands of farmers in the district to connect directly with the international market and will help resolve difficulties in exports. The study tour was attended by agriculture committee chairman Mahesh Natekar along with Guhagar Panchayat Samiti chairman Pranav Polekar, Praveen Panchal, Rajapur Panchayat Samiti chairwoman Nandini Kadam, Sangameshwar Panchayat Samiti chairwoman Sharvari Velale, Zilla Parishad member Pramod Nivalkar and agriculture officer Abhijit Gadade. A large number of farmer representatives from the district were also present. The joint visit by the elected representatives is expected to make it possible to jointly resolve issues related to mango exports.

During the visit, the representatives personally observed the various technical and physical processes required for mango exports at the centre. These included scientific grading of mangoes, maintaining cleanliness, modern packing methods and storage at the correct temperature. Experts also briefed them on technical processes such as vapour heat treatment and irradiation, which are considered necessary before sending mangoes to foreign markets such as Europe and Gulf countries.

At a meeting with export centre manager Animesh Patil and his team, there was a detailed discussion on demand for mangoes abroad and the strict regulations there. Plans are being made to provide the same technical guidance and facilities at the local level as are available at the Vashi centre. The MangoNet registration drive will make it easier for farmers to meet global export norms and directly contact foreign traders. This joint initiative by elected representatives and the agriculture department is expected to give a major boost to the export of Ratnagiri's globally famous Hapus mangoes.