Gandhinagar
Gujarat continues to play a key role in making India the world's top mango producer, with its Kesar mango gaining international fame for its unique aroma and taste. In 2024-25 alone, over 856 metric tonnes of mangoes were exported, thanks to strong support from the state government. Over the last five years, Gujarat has exported more than 3,000 metric tonnes of mangoes to countries like the US and South Africa.
Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel noted that under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's leadership, several initiatives have been introduced to boost mango farming. Today, mango cultivation covers over 1.77 lakh hectares—about 37% of the total horticultural land in the state. Key growing districts include Valsad, Navsari, Gir Somnath, Kutch, and Surat, with Valsad leading at 38,000 hectares.
The Kesar mango from Talala Gir, which holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, is now also being widely grown in Kutch. A major boost for exports came with the Bavla Irradiation Unit near Ahmedabad—Gujarat’s first and India’s fourth USDA-APHIS certified facility. This unit processed 224 metric tonnes of Kesar mangoes this year and around 805 metric tonnes over five years.
Earlier, farmers had to rely on Mumbai for irradiation, increasing transport costs and losses. Now, with local access to gamma irradiation, an integrated pack house, and an air cargo complex, exports have become smoother and more profitable. These facilities, managed by Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Ltd, have greatly reduced post-harvest losses and improved quality assurance for mango exports.