The collaboration between the government and the private sector in advancing South Africa’s mango industry is yielding promising results, as underscored by Mashao Mohale, the communication manager of the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC).
He said, “The recent Mango Cultivar Day showcased the progress made under a key government initiative – the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP), this initiative emphasises research and development (R&D) within the horticulture sector.”
Celebrating four new mango cultivars
Mohale emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating, “Interventions and commitments by the AAMP social partners under the horticulture subsector aim to improve, strengthen, and expand research and development (R&D) to address infrastructure challenges and capacity within the horticultural industry.”
The introduction of four new mango cultivars, specifically bred for South African conditions, is highlighted as a major achievement. Developed by the Agricultural Research Council’s Tropical and Subtropical Crops Division (ARC-TSC) with financial support from the South African Mango Growers’ Association (SAMGA), these cultivars are described as a game-changer for the industry.
Mohale noted, “Previously, South African growers relied on just five cultivars, all susceptible to diseases and low yields.”
These new varieties offer improved resilience and higher yields compared to existing ones. Mohale emphasised their potential. “These advancements hold tremendous potential for the mango industry. By diversifying cultivars and enhancing resilience to diseases, South African growers can boost productivity and expand their market offerings.”
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The availability of a broader range of processed mango products, such as dried mangoes and juices, is seen as opening new avenues for value addition and meeting consumer demand for nutritious options.
Mohale underscored the commitment to realising the objectives of the AAMP through ongoing collaboration and partnership. “The implementation of the AAMP is underway, and we are convinced that strong partnerships and collaborations between government, industry, and other key role players remain crucial.”
The potential benefits are significant. A more robust mango industry could lead to increased exports, boosting the economy and creating new opportunities for farmers. Additionally, a wider variety of delicious and nutritious processed mango products could become available to South African consumers.
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