New Delhi: The state-level mango festival was held on Friday at the Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES) in Bhubaneswar. Jointly organised by ICAR–IIHR, Bengaluru, and Odisha’s Directorate of Horticulture, the event highlighted the state’s mango heritage, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable farming practices.
The festival brought together hundreds of growers, experts, and enthusiasts to promote climate-resilient horticulture and raise awareness on protecting agricultural land under the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan.”
Chief guest Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who inaugurated the festival, said Odisha must build a distinct brand for its mangoes to significantly increase farmers’ income and boost agricultural exports.
He stressed the need for crop diversification and urged farmers to move beyond traditional practices by adopting pulses, oilseeds, and fruit crops such as dragon fruit, citing their medicinal value.
He also highlighted government initiatives aimed at exposing farmers to successful agricultural models across India and appreciated the organisers for conducting the informative event.
MLA Sidhant Mohapatra also addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of balancing high agricultural output with environmental sustainability. Sachin Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, noted that Odisha has over 2.5 lakh hectares under mango cultivation.
ICAR–IIHR Director Prof. Tushar Kanti Behera introduced high-yielding fruit varieties developed to support local farmers.
The festival featured a large exhibition of over 60 mango varieties, including popular local landraces and exotic types such as Miyazaki and high-yielding Arka hybrids.
Scientists interacted directly with farmers on orchard management and pest control. Farmer-Producer Organizations also set up stalls to sell quality mangoes directly to consumers, strengthening market linkages.
Director of Agriculture Shubham Saxena, Director of Soil Conservation Subrat Panda, and Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman were present.
