Increasing Demand For Colourful Mango Varieties In The International Market

Do you also think that mangoes are only green and yellow in colour? Then you are absolutely wrong, because colourful mango varieties are also being produced in our country and are being sold on a large scale in the international market. India ranks first in the world in terms of mango production, but till a few years ago, there was not much demand for Indian mangoes in the foreign market. In fact, the demand for red coloured mangoes is high in European countries. Keeping this in mind, Indian scientists have also developed colourful mango varieties through cross-breeding and hybrid techniques. These not only bear fruits early, but are also excellent in colour, appearance, and taste.

For the last 33 years, Mango Festival is being organised every year to give information about the many varieties and colours of mangoes to the common people and farmers. Hundreds of varieties of mangoes can be seen here. Dr. Shailendra Rajan, former director of ICAR-CISH Lucknow, talked to Kisan of India correspondent Sarvesh Bundeli about the colourful varieties of mangoes.

Demand for Colourful Mango Varieties in the International Market

Everyone is aware of the popularity of mango, but a good mango is considered to be one that is not only tasty but also beautiful in appearance. Dr. Shailendra Rajan says that earlier there was a lot of demand for red colourful mango varieties in the international market. People did not know that the green and yellow varieties found in India are also very tasty. Then gradually our scientists decided to develop such varieties, which can establish dominance in the international market. Mangoes should be tasty and their appearance should also be good, that is, colourful mango varieties, especially red in colour, so that India can gain a foothold in the European and US markets. In this way, the process of developing advanced cross-breed varieties of mango started.

It takes a long time to develop varieties

Many varieties of mango were also developed during Dr. Shailendra Rajan’s tenure as Director of ICAR-CISH Lucknow. He emphasises that mango varieties are not made in a day or two, the process of making them is long and it continues for a long time. Arunika variety was Hybrid 39. This means that it was the 39th hybrid plant that was cross bred in 1986. Ambika 558, that is, more than 500 hybrid plants had been made before that. Production of many hybrid varieties started and scientists are evaluating which plant will have which quality, which will benefit the farmers more, which variety can be trusted more. Dr. Rajan says that developing a variety, evaluating it and then giving it to the farmers, matter a lot. Because a farmer who plants a mango plant has to wait for 2-3 years. The hybrid plants developed by our scientists start bearing fruits in 2-3 years, the size of their trees is small, but fruits are produced every year and the fruits are colourful, along with this they have different nutritional properties.

Apps for Marketing Mango

In this era of information and technology, many apps have been created to introduce people to different varieties of mango. Dr. Shailendra Rajan says that through these apps, people get to see and buy unique varieties of mango. Farmers can earn good profits by growing those colourful mango varieties which people are not even fortunate enough to see. The purpose behind developing hybrid coloured varieties is to help farmers as well as customers. While farmers got inspired to produce more and sell their crops at a higher price, people got to see and taste different varieties. The crop production capacity of farmers increased and the plants developed the ability to fight diseases.

Mango Festival

Mango Festival is being organized in Delhi for the last 33 years, about this Dr. Rajan says that many varieties of mangoes have survived due to this festival, if it is not there then many varieties will be destroyed. The farmer saves his plants because he hopes that his fruits will reach the people and there will be good sale in the festival. This not only benefits the farmers but also people get a chance to see and taste more and more varieties. By coming to the festival, knowledge also increases, people get a chance to learn, they get to know which plant will be found where, which disease occurs in plants etc. Children also get happy to see so many varieties of mango. Dr. Rajan says that not even 10 percent of the people will know that there are so many varieties of mango in our country.

The purpose of agricultural scientists behind promoting the cultivation of colourful mangoes, which are excellent in color and taste, was to strengthen India’s position in the sale of mangoes in the international market. Perhaps you would not know that India is the largest producer of mango in the world. After this comes China, Indonesia, Pakistan and Mexico. 

Popular Varieties Of Mango

It would not be an exaggeration that India is the country of the King of Fruits – Mango. About 1500 varieties of mangoes are grown here, but there are some varieties whose taste always remains on the tongue of the people. As soon as the mango season arrives, people are eager to eat it. 

Hapus- The most popular mango of India is Hapus i.e. Alphonso of Maharashtra. This mango without fibre is very tasty and sweet.

Kesar- The colour of the pulp of Kesar mango of Gujarat is like saffron, hence its name Kesar. It is also very tasty to eat.

Dussehri- Dussehri mango of Uttar Pradesh also needs no introduction. It is famous for its sweetness.

Himsagar- Himsagar, grown in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, is also an excellent variety of mango.

Chaunsa- This variety is also famous among the people, which is grown in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Badami- Badami is a major variety of mango grown in Karnataka.

Langda- Langda, available during monsoon, is also famous for its taste. It is grown in Varanasi as well as West Bengal and Bihar.

Frequently asked questions and answers on mango cultivation and varieties 

Question: Which climate is suitable for mango cultivation?

Answer: Tropical and sub-tropical climate is most suitable for mango cultivation. Mango cultivation requires a temperature of 25-30°C for good yield. Cold and frost can harm mango trees.

Question: Which is the best soil for mango cultivation?

Answer: Sandy loam or clay loam soil with good drainage is considered suitable for mango cultivation. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 to 7.5.

Question: How much water should be given to a mango tree?

Answer: Mango trees require regular watering, especially in the early years. More water should be given in summer, but water should be reduced during monsoon. Mature trees require more water at the time of fruiting.

Question: Which varieties of mango are popular in India?

Answer: There are many popular varieties of mango in India, including Dussehri, Alphonso (Hapus), Langra, Kesar, Badami, and Totapuri.

Question: Which improved varieties are available for mango cultivation?

Answer: Improved varieties include varieties like Amrapali, Mallika, Arunima, and Sundari, which are known for high yield and disease resistance.

Question: What are the diseases and pests that can cause problems in mango farming?

Answer: Common diseases and pests like mealybug, mango mildew, midge pest, and gummosis can be a problem in mango farming. Appropriate pesticides and biological control measures should be used for these. 

Question: How long does it take for a mango tree to bear fruits?

Answer: It usually takes 3-6 years for a mango tree to bear fruits, depending on the variety and care.

Question: When and how should a mango tree be pruned?

Answer: Mango trees should be pruned in late winter or early spring. While pruning, dry, diseased, and crossing branches should be removed.

Question: When and how should a mango tree be fertilized?

Answer: Mango trees should be fertilized twice a year, once after the monsoon and the second time in spring. The fertilizer should contain a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash.

Question: When and how is mango harvested?

Answer: Mango is usually harvested between May and July. Fruits should be plucked when they are close to full ripening and start showing light yellow colour. Care should be taken while harvesting to avoid injury to the fruits.