In the bustling streets of Maharashtra, where the fervour of Lok Sabha elections gradually subsides, attention shifts to another significant event: the culmination of the Alphonso mango season. As India grapples with this annual delight, it simultaneously faces challenges in its spice export industry, stirring concerns both domestically and internationally.
India’s Alphonso Mango Season Ends Early
Notable for its unmatched flavour and high price, this year’s crop ends sooner than anticipated, giving enthusiasts a brief window of time to savour its juicy glory. According to Hindustan Times, the season’s timing began in February and ends on May 15. Usually lasting from March to June, environmental changes are the cause of this unusual schedule.
Prices have not decreased despite the early start; in February, a box of Alphonso mangoes was worth ₹25,000; today, a box costs ₹2,000. It is customary to pay a premium for the first box of the season, with markets in Mumbai and Pune seeing high bids for this box.
Despite India’s stronghold in Alphonso mango exports, challenges loom large, including limited geographical availability and a short harvesting period. As the season draws to a close, enthusiasts bid farewell to this ephemeral delicacy, eagerly anticipating its return next year.
Mango farmer Anand Desai, for his part, is worried about pests like mango hoppers and thrips that threaten yields even with expensive fertilisers and pesticides and diligent work. Anand demands that the government take up these issues and devise plans to deal with thrips infestations.
Spice Mix Contamination Sends Shockwaves Through Export Markets
In a different arena, the Indian spice export industry faces a crisis of confidence. Following complaints of possible contamination of spice mixes sold by top Indian brands, MDH and Everest, at least five countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S., have launched investigations. The presence of ethylene oxide, a toxic chemical, beyond permissible limits has sparked concerns, as per The Hindu reports.
Regulatory bodies like the Spices Board of India have initiated mandatory testing of products shipped abroad. However, the incident underscores broader issues of regulatory lapses and consumer health concerns, prompting calls for stringent quality checks both domestically and internationally.
As countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, and the U.S. suspend sales and initiate recalls, the spotlight intensifies on the Indian spice export industry. With key importers like the U.S., U.A.E, and U.K., the fallout from this controversy could also have significant repercussions on India’s spice trade.
Amidst these challenges, the call for robust regulatory measures and proactive steps to ensure food safety resonates louder.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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