U.S.-India Partnership Develops Mango Markets

October 29, 2004

NEW DELHI -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is investing $900,000 in a public-private partnership to raise incomes of mango farmers in Maharashtra . The three-year grant will strengthen market linkages among mango producers, buyers, processors and exporters, and raise product quality to meet consumer standards in local and global markets.

Consumption patterns in India show a growing demand for specialized, processed products. India is the world's largest producer of mangoes, but exports less than 1 percent of its crop, and much of local production is lost due to poor processing. The global mango market itself is under-developed, and India has an opportunity to assert a strong presence in both fresh and pulp markets.

The partnership will "add value" to crops through processing and niche marketing, and improve food safety and quality standards to better tap domestic and international markets. Partners include Michigan State University , a leading agricultural institute in the U.S. , Maharasthra State Agriculture Marketing Board, the Ministries of Food Processing Industries and Agriculture, the National Horticulture Board; the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, the National Institute of Agricultural Marketing; the Indian Institute of Management; Foodland; Total Fruits; and others. The effort is part of a worldwide USAID effort called Partnerships for Food Industry Development.