Konkan Hapus mangoes face a challenge as traders attempt to pass off Karnataka mangoes under their name. To counter this, the Konkan Hapus Mango Growers and Growers Sellers Co-operative Society has introduced QR codes for Geographical Indication (GI) registered farmers. These QR codes ensure that consumers receive genuine Hapus mangoes while providing farmers with better prices. However, as mangoes with QR codes are yet to enter the APMC fruit market, eager customers await their arrival.

Renowned for their distinct taste, Konkan Hapus mangoes enjoy immense popularity among consumers. Unfortunately, the surge in demand has led to deceptive practices, with some traders blending Karnataka mangoes with Konkan Hapus to dupe buyers. Recognizing the need to safeguard the authenticity of Hapus mangoes, the producer organization, under the leadership of Dr. Vivek Bhide, initiated the QR code system two years ago. However, initial implementation faced challenges, including the potential for QR code reuse. To address these issues, new QR codes have been developed this year, promising enhanced security and reliability.

The QR codes provide comprehensive information about the mangoes, including their expiry date, packing date, maturity date, as well as detailed insights into the Hapus mango grower, such as garden photos, Google location, farmer's contact details, and more. This ensures transparency and enables consumers to verify the authenticity of the mangoes they purchase.

Manoj Desai, a resident from Ghansoli expressed, “The introduction of QR-coded mangoes brings hope for an end to fraudulent practices in the market, ensuring that every mango lover can savour the true taste of Konkan Hapus mangoes”.

Chandrakant Mokal, President of the Maharashtra State Mango Producers Association informed, “G.I. designation for Konkan mangoes marks a significant milestone. We are delighted to see the implementation of QR codes as a means to ensure authenticity. However, our efforts don't stop there. The Association is actively working to establish Konkan Hapus as a recognized brand, aiming to combat adulteration in the mango market”.

Sanjay Pimple, fruit trader at APMC remarked, “With the current surge in Konkan mango arrivals, although farmers have adopted QR codes, the quantity remains limited. Consequently, only half of the mangoes with QR codes have made it to the APMC fruit market”.