Mango trees in the Mexican state Michoacán had their flowers in full bloom last month, prompting local industry leaders to forecast a "strong" crop in the first weeks of March.

A representative of the state government body Mango Production System told website Cambiodemichoacan.com.mx the state would likely grow around 135,000 metric tons (MT) of mangoes in 2015, of which 73,000MT would be destined for export.

The system's president Xavier Chávez told the publication the estimated increase in export volumes was due to new orchards gaining GlobalG.A.P. certification.

"We have until March 15 to register the mango orchards that will be certified this year, and we have the support of the Federation to fund this investment by up to 70%, so that the payment that each grower should make will be situated around 30,000 [Mexican] pesos (US$2,004)," Chávez was quoted as saying.

The story reported the forecast volume would put the state in the lead nationally for mango exports.

The first Michoacán mangoes are set to hit the domestic market at the start of February, before shipments abroad begin later in the month, the story reported.

The representative added that "good" deals were expected between packers and growers to raise the export quality of the state's mangoes.

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