New Delhi, May 9 -- A mandarin picked in Nagpur does not become an export success at the orchard. It has to survive the 'mandi' (wholesale agricultural market), the trader, the grading table, the truck, the cold chain, the inspection desk and the port. At each stage, time is lost. By the time the fruit is ready to leave India, part of its value may already have dissipated.

This is the lesser known problem behind India's limited presence in global citrus markets. India is among the world's major citrus producers, with large harvests, diverse growing regions and recognized varieties such as the Nagpur mandarin, which received a Geographical Indication tag for its distinctive identity. Yet India's presence in international citrus trade rema...