Talala: The highly anticipated Kesar mango season is set to begin at the Talala Marketing Yard on Sunday, April 19, starting a week earlier than last year, when trading commenced on April 26. Even before the formal opening of the domestic market, the region’s famed Kesar mangoes have already reached international markets, with the season’s first export consignment scheduled to arrive in Washington, USA, via air cargo on April 15.

A total of 800 boxes, weighing around 2.5 tonnes, have been prepared at the Mango Pack House operated by the Talala Marketing Yard. Each three-kilogram box contains 12 Kesar mangoes that have undergone processes such as washing, grading, hot water treatment, pre-cooling, and ripening before packing. The consignment was also irradiated at Bavla, near Ahmedabad, prior to export.

According to APMC Mango Pack House operators Vipulbhai Sorathiya and Deepakbhai Chandegara, this marks the first shipment to the United States for the current season. However, exporters are facing rising logistics costs, with air freight charges increasing by nearly 50 percent, from around ₹400 per kilogram last year to approximately ₹600 per kilogram this year, due to ongoing global conflicts.

Despite strong demand for Kesar mangoes in international markets such as Europe, the Gulf region, and the UK, exporters expect a dip in shipments this season amid prevailing geopolitical tensions. Further exports to other countries will depend on how the global situation evolves.

Meanwhile, preparations for the domestic trading season are in full swing. The decision to begin the season early was finalised during a meeting between wholesale traders and commission agents. Talala Marketing Yard Chairman Sanjaybhai Shingala and Secretary Rameshbhai Dande stated that all necessary arrangements are being made to ensure smooth operations for farmers, traders, and buyers.

Officials and traders have urged mango growers to bring high-quality, well-graded produce to the yard. With the early start, trading activity is expected to pick up rapidly as markets prepare for the first arrivals.

The significance of the Talala market is reflected in last year’s performance, when the season lasted 44 days and concluded on June 8. During the 2025 season, approximately 4,49,450 boxes (10 kg each) were traded at an average price of ₹560 per box, generating a total income of ₹25.17 crore for farmers.

Historical trends show a steady rise in prices, with the average rate per box increasing from ₹254 in 2013–14 to ₹560 in the latest season. As April 19 approaches, stakeholders remain optimistic about another productive year for the “King of Fruits.” DeshGujarat