PUNE: It is that time of the year when the king of fruits, mango is back. Summer is often synonymous with mangoes for millions. However, this year, the nationwide coronavirus lockdown has dampened the sale of mangoes in the market. Even though mangoes have arrived in the market, nobody is allowed to visit the market amid the crisis.

With the extension of nationwide lockdown till May 3 as declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, farmers now are trying to find new ways to reach consumers. This time, mango growers in the state are using technology that is they are going online to tap consumers and directly sell the delectable fruit to housing societies.

For this, the Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board (MSAMB) has decided to provide a platform for farmers. MSAMB, every year holds mango festivals in various cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Aurangabad and more to facilitate alphonso mango growers to reach customers in Pune and other cities. However, this year due to COVID-19 pandemic, holding an exhibition was not feasible. Thus MSAMB has made it possible through an online portal.

Selling and buying of mangoes will take place on https://www.msamb.com with information of the sellers available on the portal.

Alphonso growers from Konkan areas have already registered on the portal. They will help customers living in Mumbai and Pune to place home delivery orders for mangoes. The minimum order for delivery is 100 dozen, and the orders will be delivered outside the society gate.

The alphonso mango from districts such as Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg in Konkan region of Maharashtra is popular throughout the country and around the world for its taste and aroma.