The Alphonso Mango, sold in the retail markets of Mumbai between Rs.800-1,400 per dozen, has now slid to less than half the price, depending on the size and quality.
An Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) official said that on an average, India exports around 55,000 tonnes of mangos annually to various countries worth nearly Rs.2.75 billion.
The chief markets are the Arabian Gulf, Britain, Europe and US, besides smaller quantities consumed in many other countries where NRIs are based.
Bhende dismissed EU's reasons.
"We are already following the procedures as required by them and there has been no health problem for the past so many years. The reason is something else and the government must take immediate steps to get the ban revoked," he urged.
Alphonso Mango leads the pack of Indian mangos in great demand globally with Kesar, Totapuri and other varieties also enjoyed by NRIs and foreigners alike.
