Bhagalpur’s GI-tagged Jardalu mangoes have again been shipped to markets in the UK and Middle-Eastern countries this year, including both trial and commercial shipments. The Union government has said that infrastructure required to promote Jardalu mango exports is being strengthened.
In response to a question from Bhagalpur MP Ajay Kumar Mandal in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said that Jardalu mangoes had again been sent to markets in the UK and Middle-Eastern countries this year. The shipments included both trial and commercial consignments.
The government said there had been no official information about any major adverse impact of weather on Jardalu mango exports or any major crop damage.
Jardalu mangoes have long been counted among Bihar’s distinctive agricultural products. The variety is known for its particular aroma and taste and its low-fibre, fleshy texture. The soil and climate of Bhagalpur and surrounding areas are considered suitable for its production. The GI tag has provided official recognition to its regional identity.
The government said that vapor heat treatment or special hot water treatment is not mandatory for exporting Jardalu mangoes to Gulf countries. However, compliance with applicable phytosanitary requirements is necessary.
It also said that no complaints had been received regarding pesticide residues in Jardalu mangoes or violations of export regulations in the European Union and Gulf countries.
The government said an air cargo terminal with an annual capacity of 21,900 metric tonnes, along with cold storage facilities, has been started at Patna Airport. The facilities are intended to help agricultural products, including Jardalu mangoes, reach other parts of the country and foreign markets safely and quickly.
The cargo facility in Patna can facilitate the movement of mangoes from Bhagalpur to the airport before they are transported to other states or overseas markets. Faster transportation can help reduce transit time and maintain fruit quality, particularly for international shipments.
The government has also said that farmers are being supported through APEDA’s financial assistance schemes to connect Bhagalpur’s Jardalu mangoes with export markets. Assistance is being provided for activities related to infrastructure, quality improvement and access to new overseas markets.
Promotion programmes are also being organised to increase the recognition of Jardalu mangoes in foreign markets. Information has also been provided about training for farmers on export requirements, quality standards and production-related aspects.
Jardalu mangoes are characterised by their aroma and taste. After ripening, the fruit appears light yellow and has a distinctive fragrance. Its low-fibre texture gives the variety a distinct identity among consumers.
The alluvial soil in areas along the Ganga in Bhagalpur is considered suitable for Jardalu cultivation. These local geographical conditions contribute to the variety’s distinctive identity, while the GI tag serves as a means of recognising and protecting that regional identity.
Maintaining freshness and quality is a key requirement for exporting mangoes. Packaging, grading, transportation and temperature control are among the factors that need attention when fruit is sent to overseas markets.
The arrival of Jardalu mangoes in UK and Middle-Eastern markets is connecting Bhagalpur’s local production with international demand. Export growth can provide farmers with additional market options, while packaging, sorting, transportation and related activities can form part of the wider value chain associated with the fruit.
The Patna Airport cargo terminal is another link in this process, allowing mangoes to move more quickly between farms, markets and international destinations. Cold storage and air cargo facilities can support the maintenance of fruit quality during transportation.
The government has said that efforts are being made to promote exports while providing necessary facilities to farmers and exporters. Support through APEDA, quality improvement measures and export-related training are among the measures being used to facilitate access to international markets.
Bhagalpur’s GI-tagged Jardalu mangoes have therefore reached UK and Middle-Eastern markets again this year through trial as well as commercial shipments. The government has said that the 21,900-metric-tonne annual-capacity air cargo terminal and cold storage facility at Patna Airport, along with APEDA assistance and export training, are supporting the movement of agricultural products towards international markets.
