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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
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.
