Mango Exporters Allege Severe Damage to Shipments Due to Poor Cargo Handling at Ahmedabad Airport

Strategic Insights -

Mango exporters from Gujarat have alleged that poor cargo handling at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport in Ahmedabad has severely damaged their fruit consignments. The issue stems from excessive delays in the pre-departure process and mishandling of cargo, resulting in the damage of at least 7,000 boxes of mangoes so far, with 25 exporters facing direct losses. Exporters claim that cartons of mangoes are being pulled out of cold storage 4 to 5 hours before flight departure, causing the fruit to heat up and become spoiled by the time it reaches its destination.

Key Takeaways:

  • Exporters have reported the damage of at least 7,000 boxes of mangoes, with 25 exporters facing direct losses due to poor cargo handling at the Ahmedabad airport.
  • The exporters alleged that cartons of mangoes are being pulled out of cold storage 4 to 5 hours before flight departure, causing the fruit to heat up and become spoiled.
  • The problem is particularly acute for shipments to the US, with several cargo operators refusing to accept US-bound mango shipments due to the risk of spoilage.
  • GSEC officials have stated that the cargo centre at the airport holds the necessary RA3 certification for exports to Europe, but exporters are slamming the lack of USFDA certification for shipments to the US.
  • Exporters have also criticized the scanning and loading practices at the warehouses, claiming that the produce is often arriving spoiled or crushed at the destination.

Statistics:

  • At least 7,000 boxes of mangoes have been damaged due to poor cargo handling at the Ahmedabad airport.
  • 25 exporters have faced direct losses due to the damage of their mango shipments.
  • Excessive delays in the pre-departure process have led to numerous instances of spoilage.
  • Cargo operators have reported that they have started refusing to accept US-bound mango shipments due to the risk of spoilage.
  • The majority of damaged mango shipments were destined for the US.

Sources:

  • TOI (no date specified)
  • GSEC (no date specified)
  • AGSPL (no date specified)
  • IATA (no date specified)
  • APEDA (no date specified)