Slew of issues troubles mango pulping units

For the mango pulping units in South which started operations early this yr, the unfold of Covid-19 to the rural locations, the increase in steel charges and freight charges are found a major concern, even as the offer of the fruits is found normal, in spite of the temperature vagaries in the early aspect of the crop cycle.

A couple of units in Krishnagiri and all over Bengaluru have started pulping types these as Alphonso and Sendura, while the complete scale pulping operations would get started by May well-stop when arrivals of Totapuri, the most important processing wide range picks up.

“This yr crop is also great, but the creation appears tricky. The unfold of Covid is far more this yr in contrast to very last yr. Employees are afraid about Covid and not coming to get the job done,” said D Mathiazaghan, Handling Director, Sri Devaraja Agro Industries in Krishnagiri.

Mathiazaghan, also president of pulp industries affiliation in Krishnagiri district, a major hub for mango pulp processing, said the staff would be in a convenience zone if the vaccination is carried out and demanding precautions are taken by the units.

Presently, units in Krishnagiri are sourcing the Alphoso and Sindhura wide range of mangoes from Karnataka for processing. “Over the earlier a few days, there are no takers for the fruit. Costs of Alphonso, which started at ₹35 a kg has now come down to ₹27 a kg. Sendura has come down from ₹17 to ₹8 for each kg. If there are far more Covid favourable situations, it will be tricky to manufacture,” Mathiazaghan said.

A Bengaluru-based mostly big processor said some units have started operations early to fulfil the spill around orders from very last yr as the market couldn’t meet the demand. “Also due to the worry relating to the lockdowns and due to the most likely impact on demand, farmers have harvested early this yr,” he said.

Although the Authorities departments have been supportive as they want us to retain performing, the availability of labour is a challenge, said yet another Karnataka-based mostly processor.

Drums shortage

Also, the rally in steel charges is found hurting the pulp producers. Mango pulp is packaged in big asceptic baggage and steel drums are employed to safeguard these baggage. “There’s a shortage of steel drums. Also the charges of steel drums have gone up from all over ₹1,400 to ₹2,000-2,075,” the processor said.

Aside from, the sharp enhance in freight charges is also adding to the concerns of the pulp producers, who do not see any other choice than to pass it to the consumers. Ocean freight charges for a pulp container from Mumbai to Europe has jumped from $800 to $2500, which is a major concern, the processor said. “Also, the inland haulage expenses have gone up due to better gas charges,” he said.

Although there’s abroad demand for mango pulp, the charges could be better by a minimal of 15 for each cent due to increase in freight charges and charges of steel and mango, the processor said.

A sizeable chunk of the mango pulp manufactured in the country is exported and shipments have witnessed a continual decrease in modern decades. From $126 million in 2016-seventeen, mango shipments have diminished to $eighty two million in 2019-20. Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Netherlands, Kuwait and the US were the top rated 5 markets for Indian mango pulp.