Koppal's Kesar mangoes delight taste buds and boost income

Time of India

03-05-2025

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Koppal:
Kesar mango harvest
has begun in the district, offering succulent, sweet fruits. The horticulture department coordinates distribution and sales, with buyers from various regions anticipating these premium mangoes.
The district's villages are renowned for their Kesar variety. As noted by Padmakal T, a seasoned mango trader from Mandya, "Koppal's Kesar mangoes attract traders from Hyderabad and Mumbai."
These mangoes have flourished in more than 60 villages, recognised for their characteristic sweet-sour flavour. Local environmental conditions and soil properties contribute to their distinct taste, setting them apart from other regional varieties. This uniqueness has led to the creation of 'Koppal Kesar' as a distinct brand, with its roots in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, highlighting the region's role in the fruit's development.
Krishna Ukkund, senior deputy director of horticulture department, enhanced
mango cultivation
locally. "Eight years ago, I found that growers were cultivating both Kesar and Benishan mangoes. Despite the superior quality of Kesar mangoes, they were sold at a significantly lower price of Rs 10 per kg when compared to Benishan, which fetched Rs 30 per kg," he recalls.
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The horticulture department also conducted a workshop for mango farmers from 15 villages. About 1,000 cultivators learnt about farming techniques, organic methods, pest control, and drip irrigation.
Sales reached Rs 1 crore in 2017, with farmers pricing the fruit at Rs 80 per kg and exporting 15 tonnes of Koppal Kesar variety. Govt assistance has enabled exports to Sri Lanka, Dubai, Bahrain, Bangladesh, and Europe. Krishna Ukkund explains that Koppal's climate, with summer temperatures of 42-43°C, suits Kesar mangoes perfectly, improving ripening, sweetness, and fragrance. Unlike Alphonso mangoes, which require high humidity, these conditions ensure consistent quality without sourness or sponginess.
Koppal's Kesar mangoes ripen earlier than Gujarat's variety. Ambaresh Tatti, who owns a 900-tree orchard in Kaltavargera village, said: "Its early arrival, two months ahead of Gujarat Kesar, has played in our favour."
The horticulture department offers support through training, saplings, and marketing. Despite Covid-19 challenges in 2019-2020, the department arranged 5,000 specialised boxes and established trade links. The deputy commissioner helped by providing green passes for transportation.
Kesar mango cultivation has grown from 1,300 to 5,000 hectares across 60 villages in eight years. This year's projected yield is 60,000 tonnes, with farmers earning Rs 150-250 per kg based on quality. Srinivas Jalihal from Nilogal village anticipates Rs 14 lakh from his seven-acre mango farm this season, selling at Rs 200 per kg. Many farmers have achieved comparable results, inspiring others to grow Kesar mangoes.
Koppal's mango sector continues expanding with departmental support and growing demand. Professional marketing, an appropriate climate, and farmer support have established Koppal as a leading mango production centre.
Pics: Harvesting Happiness: Krishna Ukkund (L), senior deputy director of the horticulture department, has played a key role in promoting the Koppal Kesar mango variety; A cultivator of the Koppal Kesar mango variety showcases a tree laden with fruits