Mango Corridor – Tamil Nadu Unveils Vision to Expand Mango Processing Network

Mango Corridor –  Tamil Nadu is preparing to transform Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri into a major mango industrial corridor, with plans to establish integrated processing parks, improve export infrastructure, and strengthen value addition across the region.

Tamil Nadu has outlined an ambitious plan to strengthen its mango industry by developing Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts into a dedicated mango industrial corridor. The proposal forms part of the state’s Vetri Tamizhagam Vision document and is designed to support farmers, processors, and exporters through improved infrastructure and modern food-processing facilities. The project aims to create an integrated system covering cultivation, processing, storage, value addition, and exports in two of the state’s leading mango-producing regions.

Five Integrated Parks Planned

According to the Vision document, the government intends to establish five integrated mango processing parks across the two districts. These facilities are expected to include cold storage units, mango pulp manufacturing plants, and supporting infrastructure that will help improve the handling and preservation of fruit. The proposal also includes the creation of a dedicated centre focused on mango value addition, allowing producers to expand into processed products with greater market potential.

The government believes these facilities will help reduce post-harvest losses while increasing opportunities for farmers and processors to access domestic as well as overseas markets.

Better Export Connectivity for Growers

A key feature of the proposal is the strengthening of cargo transportation facilities. The plan aims to improve the movement of mangoes from Krishnagiri to airports in Chennai and Bengaluru, enabling quicker exports to international destinations. Faster logistics are expected to enhance product quality during transit and improve the competitiveness of mango exports from western Tamil Nadu.

Officials also expect improved infrastructure to encourage greater private investment in the region’s food-processing sector.

Major Mango-Producing Region

Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri together account for nearly 51,000 hectares of land under mango cultivation, making them among the most important mango-growing areas in Tamil Nadu. Krishnagiri alone is home to around 24 mango pulp processing industries, reinforcing its position as a leading centre for mango-based manufacturing and processing within the state.

The proposed industrial corridor seeks to build on this existing base by expanding processing capacity and creating additional opportunities across the supply chain.

Farmers Welcome the Proposal

K.M. Soundararajan, president of the Mango Farmers’ Federation, described the announcement as a positive development for growers. He said farmers had previously requested the establishment of one mango pulp processing unit in every block, but noted that the proposal for five integrated processing parks across the two districts was still a significant step forward.

He added that mango growers in Krishnagiri have experienced repeated challenges over the last five years due to unfavourable weather conditions that affected production. Soundararajan also urged the state government to address concerns related to alleged irregularities in the agriculture sector while implementing the proposed initiatives.

Processors Seek Measures to Boost Demand

Representatives from the processing industry expressed cautious optimism about the government’s plans. E. Madhavan, general secretary of the Krishnagiri Mango Pulp Processors’ Federation, said the proposals offered some encouragement but stressed that increasing domestic consumption of mango pulp should also be a priority.

He noted that processors have struggled to sell accumulated stocks over the past two years. This year’s mango pulp production is estimated at around 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh tonnes, lower than the nearly 3 lakh tonnes produced last year. Madhavan suggested introducing mango juice under the state’s mid-day meal programme to generate consistent demand and support both farmers and processing units.

Meanwhile, officials from the Horticulture Department said they had shared their recommendations while preparing the Vision document but were still awaiting detailed information from the government regarding the implementation of the proposed mango processing parks.