Yellow mangosteen: A tropical fruit with high market value

Kolkata: Yellow mangosteen is a common fruit in several regions such as Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, and the Western Ghats. The bright yellow-orange fruits have the tangy taste. Therefore, the fruits are ideal for making jams, squashes, dried fruits, and so on. The pulp of the fruit is nutritious. Yellow Mangosteen has a market value of Rs 400-500 per kg.

The fruit is grown in humid tropical climates and is propagated through seeds, cuttings, grafting, and root suckers, with seed propagation being the most common. However, seeds are viable for a short period and must be sown immediately for better germination. Efficient watering and the use of organic farming practices like compost and manure improve fruit quality and production.

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The flowering time of the fruit is from May to September. Fruits take 100-120 days in maturing. A 15-year-old tree can produce 20-30 kg of fruit annually. It is essential that proper watering and timely harvesting are done for the proper maintenance of fruit quality.

Mangosteen can be stored up to a week. Besides being used in jams, squashes, and chutneys. The peels of the fruit can be dried, and after that, it is used in curry as a substitute of  tamarind. This fruit has remarkable potential in domestic as well as global markets. It needs post-harvest handling and packaging efficiently.

Farmers will get the opportunity to grow this fruit and fetch a handsome income. With organized efforts, Yellow Mangosteen could become a valuable addition to India’s agricultural landscape.