Slew of issues troubles mango pulping units

For the mango pulping models in South which started operations early this yr, the distribute of Covid-19 to the rural parts, the rise in metal prices and freight charges are witnessed a main issue, even as the offer of the fruits is witnessed ordinary, irrespective of the climate vagaries in the early element of the crop cycle.

A pair of models in Krishnagiri and about Bengaluru have begun pulping varieties these types of as Alphonso and Sendura, while the complete scale pulping operations would start out by May perhaps-conclusion when arrivals of Totapuri, the most important processing range picks up.

“This yr crop is also great, but the output appears to be tricky. The distribute of Covid is much more this yr when compared to final yr. Staff are frightened about Covid and not coming to function,” said D Mathiazaghan, Handling Director, Sri Devaraja Agro Industries in Krishnagiri.

Mathiazaghan, also president of pulp industries association in Krishnagiri district, a main hub for mango pulp processing, said the personnel would be in a ease and comfort zone if the vaccination is carried out and strict safeguards are taken by the models.

Presently, models in Krishnagiri are sourcing the Alphoso and Sindhura range of mangoes from Karnataka for processing. “Over the previous three days, there are no takers for the fruit. Price ranges of Alphonso, which begun at ₹35 a kg has now occur down to ₹27 a kg. Sendura has occur down from ₹17 to ₹8 per kg. If there are much more Covid positive circumstances, it will be tricky to manufacture,” Mathiazaghan said.

A Bengaluru-based mostly massive processor said some models have begun operations early to fulfil the spill around orders from final yr as the industry could not satisfy the desire. “Also because of to the stress relating to the lockdowns and because of to the very likely influence on desire, farmers have harvested early this yr,” he said.

Although the Federal government departments have been supportive as they want us to maintain working, the availability of labour is a problem, said yet another Karnataka-based mostly processor.

Drums lack

Also, the rally in metal prices is witnessed hurting the pulp producers. Mango pulp is packaged in massive asceptic luggage and metal drums are utilised to defend these types of luggage. “There’s a lack of metal drums. Also the prices of metal drums have absent up from about ₹1,400 to ₹2,000-2,075,” the processor said.

Other than, the sharp raise in freight charges is also adding to the anxieties of the pulp producers, who really do not see any other alternative than to go it to the individuals. Ocean freight charges for a pulp container from Mumbai to Europe has jumped from $800 to $2500, which is a major issue, the processor said. “Also, the inland haulage prices have absent up because of to bigger fuel prices,” he said.

Although there’s overseas desire for mango pulp, the prices could be bigger by a least of 15 per cent because of to rise in freight charges and prices of metal and mango, the processor said.

A sizeable chunk of the mango pulp created in the region is exported and shipments have witnessed a constant decrease in the latest yrs. From $126 million in 2016-seventeen, mango shipments have diminished to $eighty two million in 2019-twenty. Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Netherlands, Kuwait and the US were being the prime 5 marketplaces for Indian mango pulp.