The cost of exporting Indian mangoes could fall from as high as ₹250 per kg to as little as ₹13–20 per kg, following the successful sea shipment of a consignment of mangoes from India to Singapore.The sharp reduction in logistics costs could significantly improve the competitiveness of Indian mangoes in overseas markets, where exports have traditionally relied on expensive air freight. Industry experts say a viable sea-shipment model could allow exporters to ship larger volumes profitably while making Indian mangoes more affordable for international consumers.
The breakthrough follows the successful export of 4.3 tonnes of Banganappalli mangoes from Andhra Pradesh to Singapore in a reefer container under a scientific sea-shipment protocol developed by the ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR-CISH), Lucknow, in collaboration with APEDA.
Until now, most premium Indian mango exports depended on air cargo, with transportation costs ranging from ₹150–250 per kg. By contrast, sea shipments are estimated to cost just ₹13–20 per kg.
The trial addresses one of the biggest challenges in fresh fruit exports—preserving quality during long transit periods without relying on costly air freight. According to ICAR-CISH, the protocol combines residue-free production, Good Agricultural Practices, scientific harvesting, grading, packing and post-harvest management to ensure fruit quality throughout the journey.The mangoes also underwent Hot Water Treatment and CISH-Met Wash technology developed by ICAR-CISH to improve shelf life, reduce disease incidence and maintain quality during transport.ICAR-CISH experts monitored orchards from fruit set to harvest using residue-safe production methods and the institute’s FUSICONT biocontrol technology. The fruits were tested for quality and Maximum Residue Limits before being processed at an APEDA-approved packhouse.According to ICAR-CISH, the technology can extend mango shelf life to up to 30 days under sea-shipment conditions. The Singapore-bound consignment completed its 16-day journey in excellent condition, recording 20.1°Brix total soluble solids, no disease incidence and quality comparable to air-shipped mangoes.The successful trial could pave the way for increased exports to Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and other markets, where mango imports are estimated at $4–5 million. It could also help Indian exporters target larger markets such as the UAE, valued at $20–25 million.If adopted at scale, the model could help Indian mango growers and exporters move beyond niche premium shipments and tap larger overseas markets while significantly lowering logistics costs.
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