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Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Naturally-ripened, sweeter Dussehri to hit UP markets by June 10
As mangoes begin to dominate markets across Uttar Pradesh, growers from Malihabad, India's renowned mango belt, have cautioned that most of the mangoes currently on sale have been harvested early and ripened artificially. According to farmers and agri scientists, the authentic, naturally ripened Dussehri mangoes will start arriving in markets only by June 10 and this year, they are expected to be sweeter given the ideal weather. 'The farmers will start plucking them from June 5, which will continue for 2-3 days and that will take another 1-2 days to reach markets,' said Upendra Kumar Singh, general secretary, Awadh Mango Producer Horticulture Committee. 'Right now, what you see in the markets are mangoes that have been plucked too early and ripened using carbide,' said Singh, who is also a farmer in Malihabad. 'These may look ready, but they are not naturally matured and lack the signature sweetness and aroma of Dussehri,' he added. Growers say this year's crop has benefited from well-timed rain and favourable weather. 'This season, the weather was on our side. Mangoes have ripened well on the trees,' said Insram Ali, president, All India Mango Growers' Association in Malihabad. 'We're expecting the naturally ripened Dussehri to be exceptionally sweet and full of flavour. Customers who wait till June 10 will enjoy mangoes the way they are meant to taste,' he added. Both Ali and Singh have appealed to people to wait for the naturally-ripened mangoes to hit the markets. According to them, rushing mangoes to the market before they are naturally ready not only affects taste but also the reputation of Malihabad's world-famous Dussehri. 'The real joy of Dussehri lies in its natural ripening when the fruit softens on the tree and its natural sugar content peaks,' added Singh. 'This year, we can proudly say the quality will be among the best,' he said. According to T Damodaran, director, ICAR-Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), not all the mangoes available in the market now have been ripened using carbide. 'Even though the majority of the mangoes available are the ones ripened unnaturally, it would be wrong to put all in that category. 20-30% of the mangoes in the market are naturally ripened as many of them fell during the thunderstorms,' he said. When asked about the mango quality this year, he said, 'Mangoes this year would be good and tasty. However, a little more heat will be required for best taste.' With the countdown to the real mango season begins, ICAR-CISH scientists have urged people to show a little patience.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Bigger, juicier, sweeter: Expect an XL mango crop, say experts
In the midst of strife comes news that will gladden most hearts! Experts believe that a combination of timely rains and ideal weather conditions is going to boost the quality of the 'king of fruit', leading to a sweeter and larger yield this season, in Uttar Pradesh. Farmers from the mango belts of the state report that the favourable heat during February and March supported excellent flowering. Now, the recent spell of rain is expected to enhance both the taste and size of the mangoes, making this year's harvest one of the best in recent times. Upendra Kumar Singh, a Malihabad-based farmer and general secretary of the Awadh Mango Producer Horticulture Committee, said, 'Rain at this time enhances the weight of mango fruit and gives it a natural taste.' Expressing similar sentiments, Insram Ali, president of the All India Mango Growers' Association, noted, 'Over the years, fake pest control measures have ruined mango produce. The combination of poor weather and pest treatment impact has reduced yields. But this year, farmers in Malihabad are expecting better results and higher prices.' According to scientists at the ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) in Rehmankheda, rain in parts of western Uttar Pradesh has affected mango production positively to some extent. However, they assured that there will be no shortage in supply. 'In the Mal-Malihabad region, there was only rainfall without thunderstorms, which is beneficial for mangoes until they ripen,' said T Damodaran, director, CISH. However, experts warn that prolonged rainfall could damage the mango crop, as harvesting is still a few weeks away. Former ICAR-Lucknow director, Dr Shailendra Rajan, explained, 'One or two spells of rain are beneficial for the fruit, but excessive frequent rain can be harmful. It increases the risk of pest and disease attacks, and the fruit's surface may turn black due to water-induced stress.' Mangoes coming in June Expecting better produce Singh said, 'the mango will start hitting the market from the first week of June as harvesting will begin from June 1 in the Mal-Malihabad region.' He further added that the most popular varieties like Dussehri will hit the market on June 10, while others such as Chausa and Langra will be seen by June 15. However, Dr Rajan said, 'Harvesting in the first week of June will be too early for the mangoes and it should be harvested after June 15 for better results.
