APEDA meets Malda mango growers

In a significant initiative to strengthen market linkages and promote the export potential of Malda’s famed mangoes, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Agricultural) held an interactive session with mango merchants, growers, and key stakeholders in English Bazaar on Thursday.

The meeting, organised at the KVK Conference Room, CISH Campus in Malda, brought together officials from APEDA headquarters and regional offices, leading exporters, representatives from NABARD, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and progressive mango farmers from the district.

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Malda, one of the leading mango-producing districts in West Bengal, is home to three GI-tagged mango varieties—Himsagar, Fazli, and Laxmanbhog—along with other popular cultivars like Langra and Gopal Bhog. The district’s rich mango heritage and production capacity have long positioned it as a key player in both domestic and international fruit markets.

The primary objective of the session was to facilitate direct dialogue between mango growers and exporters, fostering stronger supply chain linkages that can open up national and international markets for Malda mangoes. Discussions also focused on identifying challenges in marketing and exploring solutions to enhance the overall value chain.

“APEDA is committed to connecting mango producers with export markets and creating opportunities for sustainable growth. This interaction is part of our broader strategy to build capacity and support value-added agriculture in the region,” said an official from APEDA.

Participants shared experiences, insights, and suggestions to strengthen logistics, cold chain management, and compliance with international quality standards. The session also highlighted the role of FPOs in aggregating produce and increasing bargaining power for small and marginal farmers.

The event concluded with a call for collective effort from all stakeholders to establish Malda as a premier hub for mango exports and to ensure that farmers benefit from better market access and higher income opportunities.