The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) recently organized the inaugural 'Khass-ye-Aam' mango festival in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. This two-day event served as a platform to empower farmers, promote agricultural innovation, and celebrate India's diverse agriculture. Attendees explored over 500 mango varieties from across India, including cultivars like Arunika, Sansesan, Dashari, and others.
Participants included farmers from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Bihar, alongside governmental bodies such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), and ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
New Delhi farmers and vendors showcased varieties from Azadpur Mandi, notably the Nepali Dussehra and Chausa. NDMC vice chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal noted, "It is an effort to provide direct exposure to farmer societies, research institutes, and vendors, with the spirit of Atma Nirbhar Bharat."
Around 25 stalls displayed mangoes, highlighting farmer names, cooperatives, and their origins. A farmer from Uttar Pradesh offered visitors a taste of the Amrapali mango, a hybrid of 'Dasheri' and 'Neelum' varieties. Simultaneously, a tasting competition assessed mangoes like Dasheri, Amrapali, and Mallika. Participants, including scientists, evaluated these offerings while fielding consumer inquiries about mango longevity and pricing.
Notable varieties, such as 'Sensation' and 'Tommy Atkins,' were presented by ICAR-CISH, Lucknow, and ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. Dr. Ashish Yadav described 'Tommy Atkins' strong firmness and 'Sensation's taste and shelf life. Newly developed varieties like Awadh Abhaya also featured.
Dr. Jaiprakash from IARI indicated that variety names, like Arunima, Samriddhi, and Awadh Abhaya, are trait-inspired. He suggested that this event could broaden the mango market by introducing new varieties.
Participants negotiated sales and networking opportunities with importers and exporters. Awards were presented, with Sitapur farmer Mohammad Mujeeb winning in the 'Ram Kela' category. Activities included mango-eating contests, providing a dynamic aspect to the festival experience.
Source: The Indian Express
