Blue Star and Italian firm to develop controlled atmosphere technology for mangoes

Blue Star Limited has concluded a technology co-operation agreement with Fruit Control Equipments, SRL, Italy. The two companies will work with research organisations in India to develop controlled atmosphere technology for mangoes aimed at boosting the exports of mangoes.

Although India is one of the largest producers of fruits in the world, owing to lack of adequate refrigeration facilities, a substantial amount of the produce gets wasted, keeping farm prices low.

While the controlled atmosphere cold storage technology has been mastered for some fruits such as apples, it is yet to be perfected for mangoes. The market for controlled atmosphere is expected to expand dramatically in the coming decade. The technology co-operation agreement with FCE will enable Blue Star to participate in the emerging market.