Siliguri, a city in the Indian state of West Bengal, recently hosted the seventh edition of its highly anticipated Mango Festival. The three-day extravaganza, organized by the Modella Caretaker Centre & School (MCCS) in collaboration with the Association for Conservation & Tourism (ACT), kicked off on June 9 at a bustling mall in the heart of Siliguri. The festival aimed to celebrate the diverse and delectable world of mangoes, showcasing over 262 different varieties from across the region.
One particular mango stole the limelight at the festival, capturing the attention of visitors and mango enthusiasts alike. Known as the Miyazaki mango, it holds the esteemed title of being the world’s most expensive mango, with a staggering price tag of approximately Rs 2.75 lakh per kilogram in the international market. The presence of this exclusive fruit at the Siliguri Mango Festival created quite a buzz, drawing curious onlookers from all corners of the city.
Amidst the vibrant and colorful display of mangoes, the Miyazaki mango stood out with its unique characteristics and unparalleled flavor. Hailing from the Miyazaki prefecture in Japan, this variety is meticulously cultivated by farmers who employ meticulous techniques to ensure its exceptional quality. The mango is renowned for its perfectly balanced sweetness, luscious texture, and vibrant aroma, making it a highly sought-after delicacy among connoisseurs.
What makes the presence of the Miyazaki mango at the festival even more noteworthy is the fact that it is being grown by local farmers in West Bengal. Bengal, famous for its rich agricultural heritage, has now embraced the challenge of cultivating this rare and luxurious fruit in its own gardens. This signifies the tireless efforts and ingenuity of the state’s farmers, who have adapted their techniques to meet the stringent standards required for growing this exquisite mango.
The Siliguri Mango Festival provided a remarkable platform for farmers from nine districts of West Bengal to showcase their remarkable mango varieties. A total of 55 growers participated in the festival, proudly presenting their harvests to an eager audience. Among the showcased varieties were some of the most beloved mangoes in India, including the Alphonso, Langra, Amrapali, Suryapuri, Ranipasand, Laxmanbhog, Fajli, Bira, Sindu, Himsagar, and Kohitoor, to name just a few.
Sandy Acharya, a mango enthusiast from Siliguri, expressed his delight at witnessing such a diverse array of mangoes in a single setting. He was particularly thrilled to have the opportunity to lay eyes on the coveted Miyazaki mango. For him, it was a source of great pride to learn that the Bengal farmers had taken up the challenge of growing this prestigious fruit, demonstrating their skill and dedication.
The Mango Festival not only served as a platform for mango enthusiasts to appreciate and indulge in the world of mangoes but also brought attention to the immense agricultural potential of West Bengal. The state’s farmers have long been celebrated for their expertise in cultivating a wide range of crops, and the festival highlighted their ability to adapt to new and unique challenges, such as growing the Miyazaki mango.
The event was a testament to the region’s commitment to preserving and promoting its agricultural heritage while embracing innovation and diversity. Visitors to the festival were treated to a sensory experience, immersing themselves in the tantalizing aroma, vibrant colors, and mouthwatering flavors of the various mango varieties on display. It also provided a platform for farmers to share their knowledge, exchange ideas, and form valuable connections within the agricultural community.
As the seventh edition of the Siliguri Mango Festival drew to a close, it left behind a legacy of appreciation for the mango and its significance in West .
