Kannad's kesar mango reaches Dubai

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Kesar mangoes from Nagda village in Kannad tehsil have been exported to Dubai at Rs 800 per kg. Young mango exporter and farmer Rishikesh Patil shipped 550 kg through a private exporter on May 1. Demand has also come from New Zealand, Australia and Mauritius, with plans to export 4 tonnes soon.

A postgraduate in International Business and grandson of former Kannad MLA Appasaheb Nagadkar, Patil chose modern farming over employment. He planted 500 Kesar saplings on 2 hectares in 2008; after initially selling locally, he achieved his first export this year.

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Need for research and infrastructure

Drawing on his experience with multinational firms and overseas exposure, he aims to secure better prices for farm produce. He also called for research, improved shelf life, and export-grade pack houses and treatment plants in Marathwada to boost the rural economy.