Farmers across South India are championing heirloom mango varieties,emphasizing unique flavors,cultural significance. In Kerala, Sankaran Namboothiri cultivates over 700 mango varieties on 4.5-acre farm,including eight indigenous types. He recalls sweetness of ‘chakkarakodayan’ mango from childhood,now rare in local gardens . His commitment to preserving local biodiversity led him to identify 443 native varieties, including kuttoorkonam and karpooram, while also planting 17 of 22 Indian mangoes with geographical indication tags.
In Bengaluru, Arun Sogathur grows more than 25 mango varieties, favoring imam pasand and Arka suprabhath for firm texture,unique taste. He highlights Appemidi, a traditional pickle mango from Karnataka,known for aroma,long shelf life . But he's worried. Native trees in Shivamogga,Sirsi regions are being cut down,harvesting challenges to blame.
In Tamil Nadu, KS Jaganatha Raja cherishes sappattai mango,describing it as sweetest variety from red soil of Virudhunagar. He has revived several rare local varieties through grafting,including Panjavarnam and theeyamavadi,the latter known for crunchy texture when unripe. Recently,he discovered an unnamed mango from a 40-year-old tree,which he plans to cultivate further. This new variety promises to add to region's rich mango heritage.
In Telangana, Asiya Khan reminisces about childhood summers under mango trees,eagerly awaiting harvest. She favors imam pasand and Banganpalli varieties,often enjoying them fresh from tree. Her farm also features heirloom types like panchadhara and swarnarekha,which she hopes to preserve against rise of genetically modified options.
Across these regions, farmers aren't just growing mangoes; they're safeguarding legacy. Commitment to preserving heirloom varieties reflects deep connection to cultural roots,desire to maintain biodiversity against modern agricultural practices. As they work to revive,promote these unique fruits,they highlight importance of local knowledge,flavors that define their communities…
