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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Market demand playing key role in reviving nearly extinct mango varieties like Husnara, Ratol
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Changing consumer preferences are breathing new life to several nearly-extinct mango varieties like Husnara, and Ratol as growers are shifting their focus to meet rising demand beyond just popular Dussehri, that has long dominated the Indian mango for producing the world-renowned Dussehri mango, the orchards of Malihabad are witnessing a revival of demand for once-popular varieties such as Husnara, Totapari, Ratol, and varieties, which had faded from mainstream cultivation over the past few decades, are now finding a place on mango lovers' plates once to PTI, All India Mango Growers Association president Insram Ali said in response to growing market demand, farmers are now increasing cultivation of mango varieties other than Dussehri."About 50-60 years ago, farmers grew multiple varieties alongside Dussehri, as there was a widespread appreciation for the different flavors. However, over time, the market was dominated by Dussehri, Chausa, and Safeda," he said."Now, with a renewed interest in diverse mango flavors, producers are returning to traditional varieties."Ali added that growers are particularly focusing on red-fleshed varieties such as Surkha Matiyara, Amrapali, Malka, Tommy Atkins, Husnara, Totapari, Ratol, and Tuqmi."These varieties offer unique flavors and aromas, and fetch higher market prices -- typically between Rs 80-120 per kg, compared to Rs 40-60 for Dussehri, Chausa, or Safeda," he it is still too early to estimate the total production of these revived varieties, the trend is Khan, a prominent mango grower from Lucknow, confirmed the shifting trend."About 50 years ago, we had to cut down trees of other varieties due to lack of demand. But now, connoisseurs are showing keen interest in those flavors again," he who cultivates around 25 bighas of orchard land, grows nearly 22 different mango varieties including Surkha Matiyara, Gilas, Johri Safeda, Khaas-ul-Khaas, Pakeeza, Haathi Jhool, Hamil Tahseel, Banarasi Langda, Chausa, Amin Abdul Ahad, Husnara, and Lucknowa particular, the Ratol variety -- native to Ratol village in Baghpat district -- has been making a strong comeback. Known for its sweet taste and intense aroma, the small-sized Ratol mango was once popularized internationally by former state cabinet minister Merajuddin Ahmed, who showcased it across countries such as the US, China, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and son, Faiz Mahmood, told PTI, "The Ratol mango is so fragrant that one can smell it from a distance when it ripens on the tree. My father organized several grand exhibitions of Ratol, attracting mango lovers from around the world. Now I am continuing this tradition to bring its royal taste to a global audience."However, the mango revival comes with challenges. Unfavorable weather conditions and rising production costs have impacted profitability this year, even as output Ali said that Uttar Pradesh is expected to produce around 3 million metric tonnes of mangoes this year -- a figure higher than last year's 2 million tonnes, but still below the anticipated output based on early input costs are also eroding profits, he said."Due to counterfeit pesticides in the market, farmers have to spray larger quantities to combat pests. Earlier, a one-bigha orchard required Rs 10,000 worth of genuine pesticides; now the cost has risen to Rs 18,000-20,000. With average earnings of Rs 40,000 per bigha, profits have dropped from Rs 30,000 to around Rs 20,000-Rs 22,000," Ali urged the government to establish a dedicated lab in the state for pesticide verification and disease diagnosis in mango trees."We've submitted complaints about fake pesticides several times, but no action has been taken. A proper testing facility is urgently needed," he added.
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Market demand playing key role in reviving nearly extinct mango varieties like Husnara, Ratol
Changing consumer preferences are breathing new life to several nearly-extinct mango varieties like Husnara, and Ratol as growers are shifting their focus to meet rising demand beyond just popular Dussehri, that has long dominated the Indian mango market. Known for producing the world-renowned Dussehri mango, the orchards of Malihabad are witnessing a revival of demand for once-popular varieties such as Husnara, Totapari, Ratol, and Langda. These varieties, which had faded from mainstream cultivation over the past few decades, are now finding a place on mango lovers' plates once again. Talking to PTI, All India Mango Growers Association president Insram Ali said in response to growing market demand, farmers are now increasing cultivation of mango varieties other than Dussehri. "About 50-60 years ago, farmers grew multiple varieties alongside Dussehri, as there was a widespread appreciation for the different flavors. However, over time, the market was dominated by Dussehri, Chausa, and Safeda," he said. "Now, with a renewed interest in diverse mango flavors, producers are returning to traditional varieties." Ali added that growers are particularly focusing on red-fleshed varieties such as Surkha Matiyara, Amrapali, Malka, Tommy Atkins, Husnara, Totapari, Ratol, and Tuqmi. "These varieties offer unique flavors and aromas, and fetch higher market prices typically between ₹ 80-120 per kg, compared to ₹ 40–60 for Dussehri, Chausa, or Safeda," he said. While it is still too early to estimate the total production of these revived varieties, the trend is clear. Pervez Khan, a prominent mango grower from Lucknow, confirmed the shifting trend. "About 50 years ago, we had to cut down trees of other varieties due to lack of demand. But now, connoisseurs are showing keen interest in those flavors again," he said. Khan, who cultivates around 25 bighas of orchard land, grows nearly 22 different mango varieties including Surkha Matiyara, Gilas, Johri Safeda, Khaas-ul-Khaas, Pakeeza, Haathi Jhool, Hamil Tahseel, Banarasi Langda, Chausa, Amin Abdul Ahad, Husnara, and Lucknowa Safeda. In particular, the Ratol variety native to Ratol village in Baghpat district has been making a strong comeback. Known for its sweet taste and intense aroma, the small-sized Ratol mango was once popularized internationally by former state cabinet minister Merajuddin Ahmed, who showcased it across countries such as the US, China, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Oman. Ahmed's son, Faiz Mahmood, told PTI, "The Ratol mango is so fragrant that one can smell it from a distance when it ripens on the tree. My father organized several grand exhibitions of Ratol, attracting mango lovers from around the world. Now I am continuing this tradition to bring its royal taste to a global audience." However, the mango revival comes with challenges. Unfavorable weather conditions and rising production costs have impacted profitability this year, even as output increases. Insram Ali said that Uttar Pradesh is expected to produce around 3 million metric tonnes of mangoes this year a figure higher than last year's 2 million tonnes, but still below the anticipated output based on early flowering. Rising input costs are also eroding profits, he said. "Due to counterfeit pesticides in the market, farmers have to spray larger quantities to combat pests. Earlier, a one-bigha orchard required ₹ 10,000 worth of genuine pesticides; now the cost has risen to ₹ 18,000–20,000. With average earnings of ₹ 40,000 per bigha, profits have dropped from ₹ 30,000 to around ₹ 20,000– ₹ 22,000," Ali said. He urged the government to establish a dedicated lab in the state for pesticide verification and disease diagnosis in mango trees. "We've submitted complaints about fake pesticides several times, but no action has been taken. A proper testing facility is urgently needed,' he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Famed UP mangoes set to fly out, tickle taste buds across globe
Uttar Pradesh is likely to make a mark on the global fruit export map as its famed mangoes head to international markets including Singapore, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, United States, and the United Kingdom. This year, UP will target to export 100-150 tonnes of mangoes grown in the state, an official said. 'Last year, UP mango production was 6 million metric tonnes, against India's total 22 to 23 million metric tonnes. In 2024, overall UP export was pegged at 0.013%. This number is very likely to increase in 2025,' says T Damodaran, director, ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH). Damodaran said, 'We plan to export mangoes to Singapore and UAE by sea so that a large quantity can be exported. Mangoes will be sent to the US and Japan by air from the West UP region like Bulandshahr and Meerut.' Divisional commissioner, Lucknow, Roshan Jacob, on Friday interacted with exporters and mango growers, and directed state officials to extend all necessary facilities for mango exports using CISH-developed post-harvest and sea-route export technologies. To accelerate this initiative, ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow held a high-level Exporters-Growers Business Meet-2025 at its Rehmankheda campus where Jacob emphasised the importance of tapping into the domestic market potential across various states in India. Additionally, she instructed divisional officials to establish a nodal centre for export promotion at the state level. She asked the Mandi Parishad, Lucknow, to set up a one-stop centre to assist farmers with registration on APEDA's Hort-Net Portal. Damodaran highlighted that the institute will provide technical and logistical support for the export of premium Dussheri and Chausa mango varieties to Singapore, Dubai, and other international destinations during their respective seasons. He informed that CISH has developed dedicated clusters for Dussheri mangoes in Lucknow and Chausa in Siana (Bulandshahr), where farmers are now producing export-quality fruits under the Institute's technical guidance, using CISH-developed technologies to ensure superior quality and compliance with export standards. Vinita Sudhanshu, general manager, APEDA (New Delhi), elaborated on the vital role APEDA plays in promoting the export of North Indian mangoes. She emphasised the importance of quality compliance, international certifications, and logistics readiness for successful exports. Ajay Jain (IAS), the chief development officer (CDO) of Lucknow informed that packing houses in Lucknow, Amroha, and Saharanpur are fully operational and equipped for mango processing and export handling. He was also tasked with coordinating with Indian Railways for train halts and facilitating marketing opportunities through hotel chains, railway outlets, and online platforms such as Zepto, BigBasket, Blinkit, and others.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Taste of India: Dussehri, Chausa UP's sweet ambassadors in Gulf
Prayagraj: The famed Dussehri and Chausa mangoes from Pratapgarh district have gained immense popularity in Dubai and Oman, captivating international consumers with their exceptional taste and aroma. Since their export began three years ago, demand has been growing steadily. This season, tons of these mangoes are set to be exported to meet the increasing demand from these countries. Mango farmers like Prabhakar Singh from Shahpur village and Avneesh Singh from Kunda, Pratapgarh, have found success in exporting their produce. Avneesh, who has been involved in fruit export for four years, owns a 22-bigha mango orchard and leases an additional 80 bighas. He started exporting mangoes to Oman in 2022 with a small shipment of one ton, which received a positive response. Encouraged by this, he expanded his exports to Dubai in 2023, sending a total of five tons. The same volume was exported last year, and in 2025, both countries have placed new orders for Dussehri and Chausa mango varieties. Likewise, Prabhakar owns over 100 mango trees. "A medium quality harvest yields around 800 kilos of Chausa per tree and 400 kilos of Dussehri. This year, the yield will be more, giving us handsome profits," said Singh. Mango exports from the region have shown a steady increase, with 2 quintals exported in 2022 and 5 quintals in 2023. Although exports were lower in 2024 due to a poor harvest, farmers are optimistic this year, expecting to export 6-7 quintals of mangoes. The mango exports are facilitated through pack houses in Lucknow and Varanasi, as none are available in the Prayagraj division. Despite incurring additional transportation and packaging costs, the exports yield up to 25% higher earnings compared to local market sales. A crucial factor behind this success is the adoption of fruit bagging technology. This method involves covering mangoes with protective wax-lined paper bags while they're still on the tree, shielding them from pests, dust, sunburn, and wind damage. As a result, the mangoes develop better color, shine, and overall quality, making them more appealing in international markets due to their improved appearance and durability. The Uttar Pradesh govt has taken note of this advancement and is now providing financial support under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Registered farmers can receive a subsidy of Rs 25,000 per hectare for adopting fruit bagging technology, which is expected to further enhance the quality of mango exports. Deputy director of horticulture, Krishna Mohan Chaudhary, stated that mangoes are cultivated over 2,100 hectares in the Prayagraj division, with Pratapgarh being the largest cultivation area. He emphasized that sustained growth in mango exports, coupled with technological support, will not only boost farmers' income but also strengthen the global presence of Indian mangoes. Box No brick kilns allowed The Kunda and Kalakankar blocks have been designated as fruit belts, prohibiting brick kilns and smoke-related businesses. Since its designation 15 years ago, the mango crop has shown improvement, and the benefits have been sustained over time. As many as 84 villages in Kunda block and 63 in Kalakankar — 143 villages — are protected in the fruit belt.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Mango ‘Kavach': Butter paper brings better harvest, but leaves pockets bitter
Standing under the shade of his mango-laden trees in Malihabad here, Upendra Kumar Singh inspects the green-gold fruits wrapped in neat paper covers. The orchard hums with quiet confidence. 'These bags are my 'Kavach' (shield),' he says, gently lifting a mango protected inside a butter paper bag or fruit bag. 'Ever since I started using them, I haven't worried about pests or bad weather.' In a year when infestations have plagued mango orchards across Uttar Pradesh, Singh's harvest looks promising. He is among a small group of farmers, less than 1% across the state, who use butter paper bagging to protect their fruits. The practice, though effective, has not gained traction widely, mainly due to cost. While thousands of farmers across Uttar Pradesh struggle with pest infestations and unpredictable weather, Singh remains calm. His solution? A simple, ₹2 paper bag wrapped around each mango. This method, known as butter paper bagging or 'Kavach', has turned into a lifeline for a handful of farmers, but its cost is proving to be a bitter barrier for many. According to the Uttar Pradesh horticulture department, while the state has nearly 3 lakh mango growers, just over 2,000 have adopted the butter paper bags. Singh, also the general secretary of the Awadh Mango Producer Horticulture Committee, began using makeshift brown paper bags before the proper ones were available. Today, he uses the specially designed Kavach bags, being promoted by ICAR-Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR-CISH) in Lucknow. Mango growers across UP are battling two destructive pests this season, the fruit borer and the semi-looper, that have severely affected varieties like Dussehri and Chausa. 'My orchard saw severe losses this year,' said Md Qamar, another farmer from Malihabad. 'It's impossible for small farmers to cover every mango when each bag costs ₹2.' Apart from the cost of the bag, an additional 50 to 75 paise goes into manually tying each one. For large orchards, the expenses multiply quickly. 'I have spoken to mandi officials and the Commissioner, urging for subsidies,' said Insram Ali, president of the All India Mango Growers' Association. 'The results of bagging are excellent. But without financial support, it's out of reach for most.' Ali is hopeful that a decision on subsidy support will come soon. Doubling income, but few takers According to ICAR-CISH director T Damodaran, the returns from bagged mangoes far outweigh the input costs. 'Bagged mangoes can fetch twice the profit. For every tonne of bagged mangoes, farmers can earn an additional ₹15,000 to ₹20,000. For premium quality, this goes up to ₹30,000.' Yet adoption remains low. The challenge lies not just in awareness but also in affordability. To address this, a Kavach manufacturing unit has been set up on Kursi Road in Lucknow under ICAR-CISH incubation, he informed. The factory is operated by Meta Agri Tech Pvt Ltd, led by Sujit Singh, and Mayank Singh. 'Our machine can make 2.5 to 4.5 bags per minute. We have already supplied over 50 lakh bags to farmers in Lucknow, Unnao, Sitapur, Hardoi, and more,' said Sujit. 'We aim to reach farmers in the Chausa belt of West UP and the Langda region of Varanasi.' However, the cost remains high due to the raw material, a special Kaolin-coated paper, being imported from Taiwan and Japan. 'If it were available in India, the price would come down,' said Singh. According to Damodaran, 'These bags act as a shield against pests, sunburn, dust, and sudden storms. This year's pest outbreak could have been avoided if more farmers had used Kavach.' Despite clear benefits, the high upfront cost keeps most farmers away. 'The quality difference is visible,' said Singh. 'But unless the cost drops or subsidy comes in, it will remain a choice for a few.' In the orchards of Malihabad, Singh looks at his ripening fruits. They glisten inside their protective covers, safe, healthy, and ready for the market. For now, the Kavach remains both a shield and a challenge.
