Mango

Introduction

Mangos were brought to England and Europe after the English occupied India in 1800's. Today, India is the world’s largest mango producer, growing nearly 1000 varieties of mango and contributing over 50 per cent of the world’s total mango production of approximately 23 million metric tons. Hence the Mango, Mangifera indica L., is the most economically important fruit.

Production area

The Indian states with abundant growth of various varieties of mangoes are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Growth promotional activities

Mango is grown in an area of 1.23 million ha with an annual production of 10.99 million tonnes, which accounts for 57.18 per cent of the total world production. Since liberalization several policy measures have been taken with regard to regulation & control, fiscal policy, export & import, taxation, exchange & interest rate control, export promotion and incentives to high priority industries. This sector is regulated by the Fruit Products Order, 1955 (FPO), issued under the Essential Commodities Act. All processing units are required to obtain a license under this order. Periodic inspection of units is also carried out and consignments of fruit & vegetable products intended for export are subject to pre-shipment inspection under the FPO. However, recognized Export Houses and Star Trading Houses are exempt from this inspection.

Types

The cultivated mango is probably a natural hybrid between M. indica and M. sylvatica occurring in southeastern Asia to India. The varieties grown in India are Alphonso, Bangalora, Banganpalli, Bombai, Bombay Green, Dashehari, Fajli, Fernnadin, Himsagar, Kesar, Kishen Bhog, Langra, Mankurad, Mulgoa, Neelum, Chausa, Suvarnarekha, Vanraj, Zardalu Hybrid Varieties produced in India are Amarapali, Mallika, Arka Aruna, Arka Puneet, Arka Anmol, Arka Neelkiran, Ratna, Sindhu, Au Rumani, Manjeera. Other hybrid varieties released are Alfazali, Sundar Langra, Sabri, Jawahar, Neelphonso, Neeleshan, Neeleshwari and PKM2.