NEW DELHI, 1 June 2024: India, the cradle of mangoes, is not just about indulging in the juicy sweetness of the fruit; it's a cultural and economic powerhouse. To cater to the ever-increasing domestic and global demand, innovative techniques like grafting have come to the forefront.
Grafting essentially combines the rootstock of a disease-resistant and hardy variety with the scion (upper part) of a high-yielding, commercially desirable variety. This marriage of resilience and productivity has yielded a new generation of "superstar" mango trees, promising hyper-production and revolutionizing the industry.
Let's explore the top 10 such grafting marvels
1. Alphonso x Neelum: This power couple combines the "King of Mangoes," Alphonso, renowned for its unmatched flavor, with Neelam's prolific yield. The result is a tree that produces an abundance of Alphonso-like mangoes, albeit with a slightly milder sweetness.
2. Kesar x Langra: This graft merges the rich aroma and vibrant color of Kesar mangoes with Langra's early maturity and extended shelf life. This combination caters to both the early-bird market and those seeking a visually stunning and fragrant fruit.
3. Dasheri x Banganapalle: This pairing brings together the legendary Dasheri's fiberless flesh and perfect sweetness with Banganapalle's adaptability to various climatic conditions. This graft offers high yields of a commercially viable mango, ideal for both domestic consumption and processing.
4. Sindhu x Chausa: This graft unites the large size and juicy pulp of Chausa mangoes with Sindhu's exceptional disease resistance. This combination offers high yields of sizeable mangoes, perfect for bulk markets and attracting price-conscious consumers.
5. Ratnagiri x Amrapali: This fusion combines the Ratnagiri mango's distinct sweetness and juicy texture with Amrapali's impressive disease resistance and early fruiting. This graft caters to the early market with a high yield of flavorful mangoes.
6. Neelam x Fazli: This unlikely union brings together Neelam's prolific yield with Fazli's unique elongated shape and tangy flavor. The resulting fruit offers a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity, appealing to a wider consumer base.
7. Totapuri x Pairi: This graft merges the disease resistance and adaptability of Totapuri mangoes with Pairi's exceptional sweetness and vibrant orange-red blush. This combination offers high yields of visually striking and flavorful mangoes, perfect for both fresh consumption and processing into jams and pickles.
8. Baramasi x Langra: This fusion combines the extended fruiting season of Baramasi mangoes with Langra's early maturity and excellent shelf life. This graft allows for extended harvests, catering to market demands throughout the year.
9. Mallika x Maldah: This graft brings together Mallika's high yield and oblong shape with Maldah's distinct flavor and fiberless flesh. This combination offers a commercially viable fruit with a good balance of sweetness and texture.
10. Arka Anarkali x Arka Neelam: This graft unites two high-yielding government-developed varieties – Arka Anarkali and Arka Neelam. This combination promises exceptional productivity of good-quality mangoes, ideal for large-scale farms catering to both domestic and export markets.
Global Market and Domestic Demand
The global mango market is estimated to reach a staggering USD 25 billion by 2027. India, the world's largest producer of mangoes, is a key player in this market. Grafted varieties like those mentioned above are instrumental in meeting this growing demand. The Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia are major importers of Indian mangoes, seeking the unique flavors and varieties the country offers.
Domestically, the demand for mangoes is ever-present. With a growing population and rising disposable incomes, the consumption of fruits like mangoes is expected to increase significantly. Grafted varieties cater to this demand by offering higher yields at affordable prices, ensuring greater accessibility for consumers across the country.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While grafting offers immense potential, there are challenges. Maintaining the quality of rootstock and scion is crucial. Additionally, ensuring proper training and infrastructure for farmers to adopt these new techniques is essential. Research on developing new and even more productive grafts needs to be continuously pursued.
Grafting technology is revolutionizing India's mango industry. The top 10 grafted varieties mentioned above are just a glimpse into the future of hyper-production and catering to the global and domestic markets. By embracing innovation and overcoming challenges, India can solidify its position as the world's mango leader, ensuring not just economic prosperity but also the continued enjoyment of this "King of Fruits" for generations to come.
File photo: Langra mango
