The Indian Commerce Ministry has revealed that 143 tonnes of the country's mangoes were exported to the US in 2008, the first full-year of exports following the lifting of a ban on the fruit in 2007.
Overall exports were restricted by lower quality as a result of unseasonable rains in key growing regions, and limited facilities for the irradiation treatment of mangoes, The United News of India reported.
Other barriers to higher exports included soaring costs for pre-clearance and airfreight, costly promotions and strong competition from the likes of Mexico and Brazil, a Commerce Ministry source told the publication.
The Indian government has been coordinating with export promotion agencies such as the Agricultural Product Export Development Authority and the Export Inspection Council, providing technical input and financial assistance to further grow exports in coming years.
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