Major Varieties of Mangoes in India: Export Landscape, Pest Control Measures and Global Warming Impact

India grows more mangoes than any other country in the world. In fact, nearly half of all the mangoes produced globally come from India. The mango is not just a fruit here, it is part of the culture, the economy and everyday life. India has over 1,000 types of mangoes and each region grows its own special variety with its own taste, smell and feel.

Table of Contents

• Major Varieties of Mangoes in India
• Export Landscape
• Pest Control Measures
• Global Warming Impact

Major Varieties of Mangoes in India 

The Alphonso, locally called Hapus, is probably the most famous mango in India. It grows mainly in the Ratnagiri and Konkan belt of Maharashtra. People love it for its smooth, buttery texture and sweet taste. It also carries a GI tag, which means it is officially recognised as a product of that specific region. When it comes to exports, Alphonso tops the list.

The Dasheri mango comes from Uttar Pradesh. It has very little fibre and a lovely fragrance, which makes it a favourite among mango lovers. Langra, grown in Varanasi and Bihar, comes late in the season and has a nice tangy-sweet taste that sets it apart. Totapuri, which is grown widely in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, is big and shaped almost like a parrot's beak. It is mostly used for making mango pulp and juices rather than eating fresh.

The Kesar mango from Gujarat's Gir region is another GI-tagged variety. Its flesh is deep orange, almost like saffron and the taste is gently sweet. From West Bengal, the Himsagar and Langra are well-loved and the Neelam variety, found across South India, is popular for its own unique flavour. Together, all these varieties mean that no matter what time of year it is, there is always a mango in season somewhere in India.

Export Landscape

India sells mangoes to more than 40 countries. The top buyers are the UAE, UK, USA, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In recent years, India has exported around 60,000 metric tonnes of fresh mangoes, bringing in good foreign exchange earnings. Alphonso leads in exports, followed by Kesar and Totapuri in pulp form.

A government body called APEDA, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, helps make sure Indian mangoes meet the quality and safety standards required by other countries. For countries like Japan and the USA, mangoes have to go through a process called Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT), where they are exposed to hot steam to make sure no pests travel along with the fruit.

Even so, India faces tough competition from countries like Pakistan, Mexico, Thailand and Brazil. There is also a big problem of post-harvest losses, about 25 to 30% of mangoes are lost before they even reach the market. Better cold storage, improved packaging and expanding products like mango pulp, pickles and dried mango slices are some ways experts believe India can grow its share in global markets.

Pest Control Measures

Mangoes face many threats from pests and diseases. The mango fruit fly is one of the worst, it damages the fruit from the inside and makes it impossible to export. Farmers use methods like protein bait traps, mass trapping and keeping the orchard clean to control this pest. This approach, called Integrated Pest Management or IPM, reduces the need for chemical sprays.

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that attacks flowers and fruits, especially when the weather is wet and humid. Mango hoppers, powdery mildew and stem-end rot are other common problems. Many farmers, especially those growing organic mangoes, now use neem-based sprays, pheromone traps and helpful insects to keep pests in check without harming the environment.

After harvesting, mangoes are dipped in hot water, coated with wax and stored in cold rooms. These steps help the fruit last longer during transport and ensure they arrive at their destination in good condition.

Global Warming Impact

Climate change is becoming a serious concern for mango farmers. Mango trees need cool, dry winters to flower properly. But rising temperatures and unpredictable rains are making this harder. Even a 1 to 2°C rise in temperature can delay flowering or reduce the number of flowers altogether, which directly means fewer fruits.

Hot summers are also causing sunburn on mangoes, making the fruit look bad and reducing its market value. Regions like Vidarbha in Maharashtra and parts of Andhra Pradesh have already seen lower yields in recent years because of unusual weather patterns. Increased rainfall during the flowering period also leads to more fungal diseases, adding to the farmer's troubles.

Scientists and agricultural experts are developing mango varieties that can better withstand heat. They are also promoting farming practices like agroforestry, drip irrigation and mulching to help orchards cope with changing weather and keep producing good-quality fruit.