Gujarat is known for its delicious mangoes, especially the famous Kesar variety. In the 2024-2025 season, the state exported over 856 metric tons of mangoes, adding to more than 3,000 metric tons exported in the last five years. This success is due to the hard work of farmers and the support from the state government.
Agriculture Minister Mr. Raghavji Patel highlighted that mangoes cover 37% of the total fruit area in Gujarat, which is about 1.77 lakh hectares. The state is the largest mango producer in India, and its Kesar mangoes are famous for their unique aroma and taste.
The Gujarat Agro Radiation Processing Facility in Bavla has played a key role in this success. This facility allows farmers to irradiate mangoes, which helps in preserving their quality for export. This year, approximately 224 metric tons of Kesar mangoes were treated and exported from this unit, which is USDA-certified.
In the past, farmers had to send their mangoes to Mumbai for irradiation, which increased costs and damaged the fruit. Now, they can process their mangoes locally, making the process more efficient and profitable.
The state government continues to encourage mango cultivation through various incentives. The favorable climate and soil diversity in Gujarat support the growth of several mango varieties, including Hapus, Rajapuri, and Totapuri.
The most significant mango-growing districts in Gujarat include Valsad, Navsari, Gir Somnath, Kutch, and Surat. Valsad has the largest area under mango cultivation, with about 38,000 hectares dedicated to mango farming.
Kesar mangoes from the Talala Gir region are particularly renowned worldwide, earning a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for their quality. This recognition has further boosted the demand for Gujarat’s mangoes in international markets.
The state government has set up essential facilities for mango exports, including integrated packhouses and perishable air cargo complexes. This infrastructure has helped farmers improve the quality of their mangoes while reducing transportation costs.
As a result of these efforts, the global demand for Gujarat’s mangoes continues to rise, making them not just a local favorite but also a sought-after fruit in international markets. Farmers are now able to enjoy better prices for their produce, thanks to the state’s support and the growing reputation of Gujarat’s mangoes.
