Mango, the 'King of fruits' is celebrated for its exquisite taste and aroma. Among the rarest varieties is the Japanese Miyazaki mango, which requires controlled conditions for cultivation. Now, this prized fruit has made its way to Indian soil, thanks to the efforts of Ashok Choudhary, a farmer from Bhagalpur district in Bihar.
Successful Cultivation in Bhagalpur
According to a Times of India report, Ashok Choudhary, popularly known as the 'Mango Man' of Bhagalpur, has successfully grown the rare Miyazaki mango at his Madhuban farm in Maheshi-Tilakpur village. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Indian horticulture.
What Makes Miyazaki Mango Special?
Miyazaki mango, also referred to as the 'Egg of the Sun' or 'Mia Gachi', is renowned for its ruby-red skin and is considered the world's most expensive mango. Its price can range from Rs 35,000 to over Rs 1.5 lakh per kilogram. The fruit is not only visually striking but also exceptionally sweet, with a sugar content often exceeding 15 degrees Brix, making it significantly sweeter than common mango varieties.
Innovative Cultivation Techniques
Choudhary developed the variety using grafting technology on seed-grown mango plants. He also experimented with cross-pollination techniques to create several other colorful and fragrant mango varieties. The Miyazaki mango requires a hot, tropical, and humid climate and is typically harvested between June and August in India. The fruit is rich in beta-carotene, antioxidants, potassium, fiber, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and other essential nutrients.
Four Key Facts About Miyazaki Mango
- Strict Quality Standards: To qualify as premium-grade, the mango must meet rigorous standards for weight, color, sugar content, and appearance.
- Luxury Gift in Japan: In Japan, this fruit is considered a prestigious gift for special occasions and corporate gifting.
- Distinctive Ruby-Red Skin: It has a rare appearance with blended hues of yellow, green, and orange, developing a striking deep red to purplish-red skin when fully ripe.
- Exceptionally Sweet: With high sugar content, it is significantly sweeter than many common mango varieties.
Choudhary hopes that this success will open new opportunities for high-value fruit farming in Bihar. His pioneering work demonstrates the potential for cultivating exotic fruits in India, offering a boost to the agricultural sector.
