New Delhi, May 31 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India’s diverse mango varieties and praised farmers engaged in mango cultivation, saying their contribution extends beyond agriculture and plays a significant role in strengthening the country’s economy and expanding its presence in international markets.

Speaking during the 134th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said that with the arrival of summer, mangoes become one of the most talked-about subjects in households across the country.

“As soon as summer arrives, another topic of discussion starts in every household, and that is mangoes. Mangoes are a common topic of discussion. There’s hardly a home in India where mangoes are not talked about in the summer,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister noted that every region of India is known for its own distinctive mango variety.

“Every region… its own mango, its own flavour, its own aroma. Maharashtra and Konkan’s Hapus, Alphonso, Gujarat’s Kesar, it’s the soul of Aamras, Uttar Pradesh’s Dussehri, and my Kashi’s Langra,” he said.

Sharing an interesting observation about one of the country’s popular mango varieties, PM Modi said, “Incidentally, the Langra mango has a special quality: it often remains green even after ripening. Bihar’s Zardalu, whose aroma can be recognised from afar.”

He referred to Chausa and Malda mangoes, saying that each variety carries its own memories and associations. He also highlighted prominent varieties from southern India, including Banganapalli, Totapuri, Neelam and Malgova, along with Bengal’s Himsagar and the Suvarnarekha variety cultivated in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

“In other words, as the place changes, the mango’s appearance, colour and taste also change,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting the growing reach of Indian mangoes, the Prime Minister observed that the fruit’s journey now extends well beyond local markets and villages, reaching consumers across the world.

“This journey of the mango is now reaching the global market from the village,” he said.

PM Modi also used the occasion to acknowledge the efforts of farmers who cultivate mangoes and contribute to the agricultural sector through their hard work and dedication.

“Today, through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, I will praise my farmer brothers and sisters involved in mango cultivation. You are not just ordinary farmers… You are very special to the agricultural economy of the country. May you keep shining like this,” he added.

–IANS

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