India is the globe’s No.1 mango producing country, with over 18 million tonnes of the golden fruit being grown every year. That’s approximately half of the planet’s mango supply. With renowned brands such as Kesar and Dasheri, it’s no wonder that India’s mangoes are in such high demand.
As Mango season is ending in August, many of India’s farmers have been distressed by a dispute in their consumer market thus far. There has been a stand-still in communication between India and America’s trade sectors, which has led to a delay in India’s plans to boost global sales of their mango supply.
Indian farmers have been working hard in national factories to grow, pick, wash and pack the last of this season’s mangoes across production lines. The sealed boxes have been sent off to the likes of London and New York, as they wait to hear news of impending progress about the US-India bilateral trade deal.
The deal in question would mean improved access of millions of pounds worth of goods such as US dairy and medical services for the South Asian superpower nation. For the US it would mean receiving larger supplies of products such as Indian Steel, and even fruit and vegetables, including mangoes. The US is India’s largest buyer of mangoes, raking in a total of $3m dollars per year on the exotic fruit. However, sales have not risen annually. This has left Indian exporters leaving frustrated and powerless.
Insram Ali, President of the mango growers’ association in India, said “Exports have not increased… We tried very hard, wrote to the central and state government. The process is very difficult and expensive. It is now too late for this year’s mango season.”
America on the other hand seems unbothered by the struggling financial conditions of Indian fruit and vegetation farmers. President Donald Trump raised tensions over the ongoing trade war in recent weeks, declaring: “India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!” Thus, it seems Indian mango growers must now content themselves with only their existing customer base.
Manisha Bhanot
