ICAR-KVK (CISH) Malda Champions Export-Ready Mango Production through GAP Workshop and Buyer–Seller Meet

25 May 2026, Malda

In a significant initiative to strengthen the global market potential of Malda’s iconic mangoes, ICAR-KVK (Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture), under the jurisdiction of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, in collaboration with APEDA, Kolkata, organized a “One Day Workshop on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Mango for Quality Production for Export cum Buyer–Seller Meet (BSM)” at ICAR-CISH KVK, Malda.

Known as the mango district of West Bengal, Malda produces nearly 3.5 lakh tonnes of mangoes annually. Yet, limited availability of export-quality fruits continues to constrain its global competitiveness. Addressing this challenge, the workshop brought together nearly 100 progressive mango growers, exporters, FPOs, scientists, officials, and stakeholders from across the district to deliberate on pathways for producing residue-free, traceable, and export-compliant mangoes.

In the beginning, Dr D.K. Raghav, Head, ICAR-KVK (CISH), Malda, underscored the importance of scientific orchard management, pruning, fruit bagging, and adherence to international quality standards. He highlighted that around 2.5 lakh fruit bags were distributed by ICAR-CISH among mango farmers this season to promote adoption of fruit bagging technology for enhancing fruit quality and export suitability.

Addressing virtually, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, emphasized that the emergence of export-ready Malda mangoes reflects the strength of a farmer-centric, start-up-led value chain, where scientific handholding, market linkage, and quality assurance go hand in hand. He highlighted that adoption of label-claimed pesticide use, balanced nutrient management, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for producing residue-safe mangoes compliant with international Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Stressing the importance of traceability and quality certification in buyer–seller linkages, Dr Dey advocated registration of GI-tagged varieties, adherence to scientific spray schedules, and wider adoption of ICAR-developed technologies to strengthen export readiness, improve farmer income, and position Malda mangoes competitively in premium global markets.

Delivering the technical session, the experts, elaborated on export protocols including orchard registration, traceability systems, irradiation treatment, packhouse operations, and standard operating procedures essential for mango exports. He stressed the need for cluster-based GAP adoption and stronger farmer participation to position Malda mangoes in premium international markets.

The workshop also provided a platform for candid dialogue between farmers and exporters. Export stakeholders noted that despite Malda’s reputation as a leading mango-producing region, exporters often source mangoes from outside the district due to inadequate availability of export-grade fruits. Concerns related to fruit skin blemishes and post-harvest quality challenges were also discussed.

Adding a practical dimension, the programme featured a comparative display of GAP and non-GAP mangoes, alongside live demonstrations on fruit bagging, IPM tools, fruit fly management, scientific harvesting, grading, and post-harvest handling. Farmers interacted directly with scientists and exporters, gaining insights into export quality parameters, procurement procedures, and market expectations.

The Buyer–Seller interaction session fostered meaningful engagement among growers, exporters, and market actors, reinforcing the importance of Good Agricultural Practices, infrastructure development, grading, cold-chain management, and packhouse facilities for expanding export opportunities. The programme brought together prominent exporters and representatives from export associations.

The programme concluded with a strong sense of optimism that greater adoption of GAP, scientific cultivation practices, and technologies can transform Malda into a major hub of export-quality mango production, opening new avenues for farmers in premium global markets.

(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)