The UK in particular has been earmarked for expansion, with the emphasis on mangoes, grapes, pomegranates, easy peelers, bananas and onions.

But, as Sunil Borade of the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board told the Journal, although there has been an increase virtually year-on-year the country still has a long way to go before it reaches its full potential. In fact, at present, less than two per cent of total output is destined for external markets.

Even so, there have been a number of major successes. Borade said: 'Grapes, spearheaded by Thompson and Flame Seedless, have been one of our biggest. Total exports now amount to over 20,600 tonnes annually of which between 70-80 per cent are sourced from Maharashtra. This position has been bolstered by new investment in plantings, the adoption of a more appealing varietal mix and stronger concentration on stringent post harvest technology, especially the use of sea freight.

'Mangoes have also performed well. Overall sendings, fronted by Alphonso, Kesar, Payari and Vanraj, now run to 37,110t, the bulk of which come from Maharashtra during the April to June period.

'Mandarins also offer scope for the future. We have identified a niche in the supply calendar between October and March and are looking to develop sales, particularly in the multiple sector.'

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