Salem, September 26, 2025 – Amid the golden hues of ripening orchards in Tamil Nadu's mango heartland, farmers in Salem district are buzzing with optimism as they eye a record export boom to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), targeting a shipment of 5,000 tonnes of premium GI-tagged mangoes this season. Bolstered by a strategic tie-up with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the initiative promises to fetch farmers upwards of ₹50 per kg—nearly double domestic rates—while tapping into the UAE's insatiable appetite for Indian summer fruits. With the mango harvest peaking over the past 15 days, exporters like Salemmango and Namkalam are ramping up cold-chain logistics, signaling a transformative chapter for Salem's 10,000-plus mango cultivators who have long battled climate woes and market volatility.
The UAE, already India's largest overseas mango market with imports exceeding 15,000 tonnes annually, is witnessing a 25% demand spike for varieties like Bangalora, Alphonso, and the robust Gundu—Salem's signature breed known for its fist-sized fruits and tangy-sweet profile. "This isn't just about selling fruit; it's about putting Salem on the global map," said Sathish Ramasamy, a 35-acre organic farmer and founder of Salemmango, during a harvest tour at his Magudanchavadi estate. His operation, which spans rain-fed groves free of chemicals, has secured pre-orders for 1,200 tonnes from Dubai-based importers, driven by the South Asian diaspora's nostalgia and the Emirates' health-conscious consumers seeking organic produce.
The UAE's Mango Mania: A Billion-Dirham Opportunity
The UAE's transformation into a mango powerhouse importer stems from its diverse population—over 3.5 million Indians alone—and a burgeoning premium fruit market valued at AED 2 billion (₹4,500 crore). Varieties like Alphonso and Kesar dominate UAE shelves, but Salem's Gundu and Bangalora are carving a niche for their durability in long-haul shipping and versatility in Middle Eastern cuisine, from fresh salads to traditional pickles. APEDA data reveals India exported $220.2 million worth of mangoes globally in 2024-25, with the UAE accounting for 18% of the volume, up from 12% the previous year.
This season's export target of 5,000 tonnes from Salem alone represents a 40% jump from last year's 3,500 tonnes, fueled by eased phytosanitary norms and the UAE's recent Mango Festival in Khorfakkan, which showcased over 150 varieties and drew international buyers. "UAE consumers crave authenticity—our GI-tagged Salem mangoes deliver that, with their rich flavor and pesticide-free assurance," noted Shyam Sembagoundar, co-founder of Namkalam, an online platform connecting Salem farmers directly to exporters. Namkalam, backed by US-based NRI entrepreneurs from Salem, has facilitated 800 tonnes in bookings, routing produce straight from farms to Chennai's export hubs.
The tie-up with APEDA, formalized at a virtual summit last month, includes subsidies for irradiation facilities—crucial for pest-free certification—and training in vapor heat treatment to meet UAE standards. "We're bridging the gap between our rain-fed farms and Dubai's hypermarkets," said APEDA's Tamil Nadu regional head, R. K. Singh, who visited Salem orchards this week. The initiative also aligns with India's broader horticulture export push, aiming for $10 billion by 2030, with mangoes as the flagship.
Challenges and Triumphs: From Droughts to Global Tables
Salem, nestled in the Eastern Ghats, boasts over 50,000 hectares under mango cultivation, producing 4 lakh tonnes annually. Yet, farmers like K. Baskar from nearby Coimbatore, who supplies to Salem markets, recount a season marred by erratic monsoons and elephant raids—wildlife incursions that destroyed 10% of crops in fringe areas. "Climate change has shrunk our yields by 15% over five years, but organic practices and export premiums make it viable," Baskar shared, gesturing to his 40-acre plot where Gundu trees stand resilient amid drip irrigation setups funded by state schemes.
The GI tag, awarded in 2019, has been a game-changer, authenticating Salem mangoes' unique terroir—volcanic soil and microclimate yielding fruits with higher beta-carotene levels. Online ventures like Salemmango, a family-run e-commerce arm with roots in three generations of trading, now ship saplings alongside fruits, promoting afforestation in drought-prone districts. "Our vision is mango groves for every backyard in Salem," said founder A. Jayapal's son, emphasizing fair pricing that cuts out middlemen.
For smallholders, the UAE boom means economic upliftment. A typical 10-acre farm could earn ₹15-20 lakh extra this season, funding school fees and farm upgrades. Women-led self-help groups in Attur taluk are training in post-harvest handling, creating 500 jobs in packing and sorting. "Exporting to UAE isn't just business—it's empowerment," said activist Priya Devi, whose cooperative has dispatched 300 tonnes since May.
Logistics and Sustainability: Ensuring the Sweet Journey
To combat spoilage—mangoes lose 20% viability in transit—exporters are investing in reefer containers and ethylene-absorbent packaging. Chennai's Nhava Sheva port, handling 70% of UAE shipments, has fast-tracked clearances, reducing dwell time to 48 hours. Sustainability is key: APEDA mandates carbon-neutral shipping, with Salem pilots using solar-powered cold storages to cut emissions by 30%.
UAE partners, including Lulu Hypermarket and Al Maya Group, are scouting for long-term contracts, praising Salem mangoes' shelf life. "They're not just sweeter; they're storytellers of Indian soil," quipped UAE importer Fatima Al Suwaidi at a virtual buyer-seller meet.
A Sweeter Horizon: Beyond Borders
As crates of Gundu mangoes roll out from Salem's packing sheds—bound for Abu Dhabi's fruit bazaars—the district's farmers envision sustained growth. With climate-resilient saplings and digital marketplaces, the UAE export could double by 2027, per APEDA projections. For Ramasamy, it's personal: "These mangoes carry our sweat to tables 3,000 km away. If they smile, we've succeeded."
In a season of uncertainties, Salem's mangoes are scripting a tale of resilience and reach—one juicy export at a time.
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