The 25-year-old co-operative society is made up of 700
farmers from Devgad Taluka, all growing the Devgad Alphonso mango.
“Since we are a
co-operative society of Devgad mango farmers, only the Devgad Alphonso is
available on our website. It is a premium variety because of its superior taste
and aroma. The rates differ every season because they are decided by market
demand-supply and cost of production,” says Omkar Sapre, member of the board
and chief marketing officer, DTAUSS, adding that the season has just started
and so far the production looks average.
Problems are on the
rise too. Due to reduction in subsidy on pesticides and fertilisers, their
prices have increased, there is a shortage of adequate manpower to work on the
fields, an increase in pests and lack of effective pesticides. “Since the
tsunami of 2004, we have not seen a stable climate. It rains when it should be
warm and gets cold when it should rain,” says Adv Ajit Gogate, chairman,
DTAUSS.
The co-operative
society is currently in the process of putting up a factory from where
customers will be able to buy mango pulp, pickles, drinks, barfis and wadis
directly.
Similarly, another
organisation, AAR Mangoes works towards providing consumers mangoes directly
from Ratnagiri. Grown on 40 acres of land on more than 2,000 trees, they are
couriered and distributed to various parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai,
Kolhapur and Nashik.
“We only grow the
Alphonso and the going rate this season ranges from R500 to R1,200 per dozen.
The season has been average, and climate change has taken a toll on the fruit,”
says Ganesh Ranade, a mango farmer.
Ask if the fruit they
market is cheaper in comparison to what is available in the market and we are
told that it is not possible. “We arrive 20 days late. That is because we do
not artificially ripen our mangoes. They are organic. So due to the time lag,
our products are 20 per cent more expensive than what is available at that time
in the market,” says Ranade.
AAR Mangoes also offer
mango tourism facilities. On packages of different rates, one can head to
Ratnagiri, enjoy rural life for a few days and hog on mangoes. “We also make
mango pulp in limited quantities,” says Ranade.
Spot the difference.Naturally ripened
mangoes have a natural aroma that is noticeable from a distance. Chemically
ripened mangoes are devoid of such a smell.
The mangoes should look and feel soft. Chemically ripened mangoes are yellow, yet hard.
Observe the colour. Naturally-ripened mangoes have uneven colouring in yellows and green.
Many people feel that if mangoes show wrinkles, they are good. Mangoes will show wrinkles if they are overripe.
Mature mangoes develop a slight trough near the stem, enough to hold a drop of water or stop it from sliding down. Immature mangoes do not have that trough.
The mangoes should look and feel soft. Chemically ripened mangoes are yellow, yet hard.
Observe the colour. Naturally-ripened mangoes have uneven colouring in yellows and green.
Many people feel that if mangoes show wrinkles, they are good. Mangoes will show wrinkles if they are overripe.
Mature mangoes develop a slight trough near the stem, enough to hold a drop of water or stop it from sliding down. Immature mangoes do not have that trough.
To place your orders,
log on to www.devgadmango.com or www.aarmangoes.com.
You could also call the
AAR Mangoes representative in Mumbai on
96192 46419.
