New Delhi, July 12 -- The idiom advising one not to compare apples and oranges is a cliche-a figurative expression that a fruit lover can safely ignore. But anyone with an interest in the origin, spread, popularity, and market dynamics of a fruit or a vegetable can and must draw comparisons.

In that spirit of enquiry, one may compare apples and mangoes, more so as they appear to be headed in different directions. Apples are vying for eternal glory, while mangoes are in tatters.

Sample these numbers: In 2024-25, India's mango exports, including fresh fruit and pulp, were valued at just Rs.1,150 crore. In comparison, Indians ate imported apples worth Rs.3,800 crore, which also hurt earnings of domestic apple growers from Jammu and Kashmir...