Traders accused of exporting unripe mangoes

Statesman News Service

MALDA, May 19: Officials of Malda mango development department have lodged a complaint against a group of mango traders here for exporting unripe mangoes to Assam and Jharkhand states. Though the exact date on which the mangoes were plucked from trees in Malda district is uncertain and there is no hard and fast rule to bring the culprits to book, the MMDD is determined to curb this growing menace with a motive to keep up the good reputation of Malda mangoes in other states. It was learnt that to earn quick money from premature sale of mangoes, traders in the district often pluck unripe mangoes of the Gopalbhog and Himsagar varieties that are quite well known for their richness and flavour. Speaking to The Statesman, Mr SN Khara, MDO, said: “Some mango traders from Ratua II have exported premature Himsagar and Langra varieties of mangoes to Assam and Jharkhand. We have lodged a complaint with the block development officer to warn the mango-growers in the district. Members of the local mango society here have also been asked to monitor the situation.”Mr Khara said:“Unripe mangoes do not taste as good as the ripe ones. Yet, some “unscrupulous” traders sell them to other states for their own vested interests. This earns a bad name for Malda mangoes and results in bringing down the market.” Reportedly, the MMDD has instructed mango growers in the district to initiate the plucking of Gopalbhog mangoes from 22 May onwards. Likewise, the Himsagar variety can be plucked from 30 May onwards followed by other varieties of mangoes. Further, the West Bengal Food Processing and Horticulture Development Corporation informed Malda officials that there was an import order from London for Himsagar variety of mangoes grown here. Thus as per instructions, once the mango plucking begins, the exporter will receive 1300 kgs of mangoes of the Himsagar variety from Malda in the first phase tentatively by 30 May. The corporation has also appointed a local officer to monitor the plucking of mangoes by farmers. The mangoes meant for export will be selected after grading and packaging in the Malda Pack House and will be delivered in a refrigerated van. #

Pic : Pralependu Sanyal