US Import Restrictions Threaten Bengal's Himsagar Mango Season

Bengal's Famed Himsagar Mangoes Face Uncertainty in Overseas Shipping

Dark spots caused by a weather-induced disease have made the shipping of Bengal's famed Himsagar mangoes overseas uncertain, exporters said. The dark spots, caused by continuous rain during bagging and subsequent high temperatures, are early signs of infection. The bagging process involves covering each fruit with protective bags while still on the tree, a technique widely used to improve the appearance of mangoes and reduce damage caused by pests and diseases.

A major fruit exporter from West Bengal's Malda reported that efforts to address the problem of dark spots on bagged Himsagar mangoes have failed, rendering many of the fruits unsuitable for exports or for sale through organised retail chains. The exporter had planned to send a one-tonne consignment of Himsagar mangoes to the US as the first overseas shipment of the season from Malda.

Adverse Weather Conditions Contribute to Problem

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The problem of dark spots on Himsagar mangoes is attributed to adverse weather conditions during the growing season, specifically continuous rain during the bagging period followed by high temperatures. This situation has resulted in a large number of export orders being affected.

Export Outlook Remains Optimistic

Despite the setback, Malda Mango Merchants Association president Ujjal Saha remained optimistic about the export outlook. He noted that while reports of disease in around 15% of the bagged fruits have affected shipping prospects, nearly three lakh more bagged mangoes are still available and can be exported. Orders for Himsagar mangoes continue to remain strong.

Export Targets Unaffected

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Exporters had earlier estimated that mango exports from the district could reach 300-500 metric tonnes this season, compared to around 15 metric tonnes exported to five countries last year. The state horticulture department and exporters have been promoting export-oriented cultivation through fruit bagging, good agricultural practices (GAP), scientific harvesting and post-harvest handling measures to improve fruit quality and meet international standards.

The export basket this season was expected to include premium mango varieties such as Himsagar, Langra, Lakshman Bhog, and Amrapali, besides litchis from Malda and neighbouring Murshidabad district. Despite the disease-related setback, exporters said overseas demand for premium Malda mangoes remains robust, and efforts are continuing to identify export-worthy fruits from unaffected orchards.