Jagtial district in Telangana state is famous for its turmeric, groundnuts, chilli, rice and mangoes. This district has earned a name both in India and outside for its excellent mango produce.
Small and marginal farmers have been cultivating Benishan mango (also known locally as Banganapalle), Nuzvidu rasalu and Dusseheri for centuries and selling their mangoes in the local markets and across India. It is estimated that over 50,000 acres of land in this district is under mango cultivation with an average annual production of 1.5 lakh MT.
The hugely popular native Benishan contributes about 95 percent of the total production. Locals attribute the steady rise in quality, average productivity per acre and average annual production to the agro – climatic conditions prevailing in this district as well as the progressive pro – farmer schemes of the central government in the last 9 years.
The Kisan rail, subsidies on fertilizers, seed management, drip irrigation, financial assistance, training on organic, zero and natural farming, easy access to high – yielding varieties, reduction in transportation costs and logistical help from the central government has significantly reduced the burden of the farmers while increasing their annual income.
The reason that the Jagtial mangoes are revered by all is because of its sweetness, pulpiness, aroma and taste. It is packed with vitamins, iron, calcium and phosphorus.
As these mangoes are cultivated in the organic manner with minimal use of pesticides, carefully plucked one by one, sorted, graded and packed, they retain their unique taste for many days. Food processing industries have been lining up to purchase their produce to prepare value – added products like juice, syrup, candy, concentrate, squash, papad, pickle and others.
The mangoes make their way to Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan and other states in the summer.
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
sahasa.in 
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