Lucknow: A symposium on mango improvement named (National Dialogue on Mango Improvement and Strategies) is set to be held on September 21 at the Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture in Rehmankheda, Uttar Pradesh. It is affiliated with the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. Experts from India, Australia, and Israel will discuss regarding the maintenance and improvement of mango productivity and quality as well.
The event is likely to help the farmers of mango-producing states, especially Uttar Pradesh. State Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, is also focusing on this, as the Dussehri mango from Malihabad (Lucknow) and the Chaunsa mango (a late-ripening variety) from the Saharanpur area are in high demand. With quality improvements, these varieties have great export potential.
To support the mango growers, the UP government is setting up an export hub near Jewar International Airport. Several other facilities, such as old storage and ripening chambers, will also be constructed. Currently, about 4,000 farmers have been organized into groups, their main focus being improving the Dussehri and Chaunsa varieties.
Ashish Yadav, the secretary organizing the seminar, added that the institute’s techniques for protecting fruits from disease and water damage have been well received. One method involves covering the mangoes with paper bags, which prevent diseases, insects, and stains while also improving the colour of the ripe fruit. At just two rupees per bag, farmers can sell these protected mangoes at twice the usual price.
Experts from Australia’s Queensland and Israel will also be part of the seminar, which is going to be a valuable event for both horticulture experts as well as mango farmers.
