13-05-2025
Koppal's fair showcases region's mango diversity
The eagerly awaited Mango Fair 2025, a 10-day exhibition and sale of different varieties of mangoes, was inaugurated on the premises of the Department of Horticulture in Koppal on Tuesday.
K. Raghavendra Hitnal, Koppal MLA, who inaugurated the event, praised the efforts of the Horticulture Department for successfully organising the annual mango fair for the last nine years to support farmers and promote local produce.
'The Horticulture Department and the Koppal administration have been organising the mela for the last nine years to encourage farmers to cultivate mangoes and provide a market for the fruit. I appreciate it. Horticulture crops are more beneficial compared to agricultural crops. Farmers must switch to horticulture crops, especially mango cultivation. Mango is cultivated on around 6,000 hectares of land in the district and it needs to be further expanded,' Mr. Hitnal said.
The fair drew large crowds of farmers, horticulture enthusiasts, students, and consumers from across the region. The festival served as a vibrant platform for celebrating the diversity and richness of mango cultivation in Karnataka.
The fair featured over 100 different mango varieties, including both indigenous and hybrid types such as Alphonso, Dasheri, Mallika, Totapuri, Kesar, and Raspuri. The Miyazaki mango, also known as Taiyo no Tamago or Egg of the Sun, which was considered to be the world's costliest mango typically priced at ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh per kg, was also put on display.
Mango pickles are also put on exhibition and sale at the fair. Exhibitors from various districts, including Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Bidar, Raichur, Ballari, and Vijayapura, participated, showcasing the remarkable biodiversity of mangoes cultivated in Karnataka. Over 30 stalls were put for the exhibition.
Technical support was provided by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, which conducted demonstrations on grafting techniques, organic practices, and 'En-Ripe'—a safe method for natural mango ripening. Experts also offered consultations to farmers on improving yield and quality, as well as guidance on expanding their market and exploring export possibilities. Banners were put up and leaflets were distributed to sensitise the consumers on the nutrition available in mangoes.
Koppal Kesar Mango, the popular variety of mango grown in Koppal district, was in high demand on the first day of the fair. The boxes for packing these mangoes are provided to farmers under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
