Over production, distribution issues puts Malda mango merchants in trouble

SILIGURI: Over production in one side and multiple obstacles in distribution and consumption on the other. With these in two sides, mango in Malda is in a difficult situation.

“Against average annual yield of 4.5 to 6 lakh metric ton(MT) for the region, the figure may cross 8 lakh MT this year putting us under heavy pressure of overproduction,” said Mr. S. Misra, President, Malda Mango Merchants Association. Malda is the largest mango producing district in West Bengal.

“Against this, outflow of stocks is too bad. Being a perishable item, Mango does not allow long time for distribution after harvesting. Naturally, dull demand pattern is pulling down price even bellow the ground level production cost. This in long term will cause a big crisis for entire Mango based economy of entire region,” Mr. Misra said.

“Malda Mango is traditionally highly dependent on raw consumption. But this raw demand is rapidly coming down in within the state as well as outside. This is posing a major threat,” said Mr. Ujjal Saha, senior member of Malda Chamber of Commerce.

Moreover, “North east sector used to be our good market. But extensively high transportation cost now makes it uncompetitive against the stock enters there from adjoining Bangladesh. Price realization is also not appreciable from North east,” he added. Entire mango arena in Malda has come to a critical corner from where, “We do not find any clear way to come out,” said Mr. Misra.

However, “The diminishing raw consumption pattern is not because of any quality crisis in Malda mango. General shift in consumer’s choice towards processed fruit is a major reason,” Said Mr. Shri R. K. Mondal. Dy. Gen Manager, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

“The answer to Malda Mango crisis lies in processing. Large share of its varieties are excellent for many processed items, especially for Pickle. We are encouraging all to look into that aspect that can open up a newer vista,” added Mer. Mondal while showing a ray of hope.