INDIA—PROJECT OVERVIEW

India Mango and Mango Pulp Industry Development. Through partnerships with mango growers, processors, export organizations, and Indian government organizations, among others, PFID—F&V is working to strengthen the small and medium mango grower base by providing capacity building at all levels. Education and training in Good Agricultural Practices and other sanitary standards, as well as employment of certification systems, will lead to better yields, pesticide use in accordance with regulations, and a more efficient supply chain. PFID—F&V partnerships will also help identify and facilitate resources necessary for enhancing the mango supply chain such as cold storage facilities, improved packing and grading facilities, testing facilities, and logistics management. Furthermore, through PFID—F&V alliances with Indian Agricultural Marketing boards and other export groups, we can help establish grades and standards for the growers and processors in accordance to world parameters. A further approach will target reduction of waste in the fresh mango chain by developing high–value mango products and enhancing processing capacity for the domestic market. Ultimately, these steps will help in stabilization of prices, increase farmer incomes, and an overall development of the farmer base at commercial and social levels.

Specific goals of India Mango Market Development Project. Currently, only 1% of the total mango production in India is exported. One reason contributing to this poor export performance is that overseas buyers have stricter standards than are currently accepted within the Indian domestic market. PFID—F&V will facilitate the development and implementation of quality and safety standards which will meet the demands of the export market.

• PFID—F&V will partner with relevant Indian organizations in establishing a global image for the Indian mango starting with the establishment of quality standards and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) standards for India.
• PFID—F&V partnerships in India can facilitate the development of a distribution network in European and other countries where the value realizations for mango and mango pulp are the highest.
• PFID—F&V partnerships can assist mango growers and processors in developing an "India" brand image for fresh mango and processed mango products that meet consumer preferences. The predominant mango varieties grown in India make this product unique in country and abroad.
• After demonstrated success in developing an strengthening the market development of mangoes, PFID—F&V/India liaisons can easily adapt this approach to the further development of other fruit and vegetable products in India.

For more information contact:

PFID—F&V Project Coordinator: Deepa Thiagarajin
Tel: 1–517–432–8211
E–mail: thiagara@msu.edu
USAID India Mission: http://www.usaid.gov/in/