The Indian Council of Agricultural Research's Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR-CISH) in collaboration with APEDA has successfully developed a scientific sea shipment protocol for mango exports, marking a significant breakthrough in India's fresh fruit export sector. A consignment of 4.3 tonnes of Banganappalli mangoes from Andhra Pradesh was successfully shipped to Singapore via reefer container, arriving in excellent condition after a 16-day journey with 20.1°Brix TSS and nil disease incidence.
The protocol enables substantial cost reduction in logistics, cutting export costs to ₹13–20 per kilogram compared to ₹150–250 per kilogram for air shipment. This cost efficiency makes mango exports more viable for producers and exporters while ensuring affordable prices for overseas consumers. The technology extends mango shelf life to up to 30 days under sea shipment conditions while maintaining quality comparable to air-shipped mangoes.
The end-to-end quality assurance system includes residue-free production, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), scientific harvesting, grading, packing, and post-harvest management. The protocol incorporates Hot Water Treatment (HWT) and CISH-Met Wash technology developed by ICAR-CISH, which enhances shelf life and minimizes disease incidence. Orchards were scientifically monitored using residue-safe production practices and ICAR-CISH-developed biocontrol technology FUSICONT, with fruits tested for quality and Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) at APEDA-approved packhouses.
This development is expected to facilitate expansion of Indian mango exports to Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong where current imports are estimated at US$4-5 million, as well as larger markets like the UAE valued at US$20-25 million. The breakthrough strengthens India's mango export ecosystem, enhances farmers' incomes, improves export competitiveness, and promotes sustainable growth of the horticulture sector through affordable and sustainable logistics solutions.