In the first week of April, we spoke to Shree Kishan Suman, a farmer from a village near Kota, known for growing the Sadabahar Mango three times a year, who even received encouragement from Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group. In the same league of unique farmers, we now bring you the story of Ukabhai Bhatti, a farmer from Gujarat's Amreli district, who has successfully grown 14 different varieties of mangoes on a single tree.
Who is Ukabhai Bhatti?
Ukabhai Bhatti is a progressive farmer from Ditala village in Dhari taluka of Gujarat's Amreli district. He is making headlines for successfully growing 14 different varieties of mangoes on a single tree. In an interview with ETV Bharat, he said that he did it as an experiment and saw the results, which he finds gratifying.
How Does He Grow 14 Varieties of Mangoes on a Single Tree?
According to media reports, he uses grafting techniques and scientific methods to grow different kinds of mangoes on one tree. During the mango season, the tree is filled with mangoes of different colours, shapes and tastes. According to Bhatti, the varieties grown on the tree include Kesar, Amrapalli, Langra, Badami, Gulabi, Rasbari, Jamadar, Kala Jamadar, Hapus and Totapuri among others.
What Do People Say?
According to reports, people who have tried these mango varieties found that many are rare and were once popular during the nawabi era. A few species are also believed to belong to regions outside Gujarat. People interested in farming and horticulture are visiting the village to see the experiment, the report states.
What Do Horticulturists Say?
According to horticulturists, this experiment is not only encouraging farmers to adopt new techniques but is also helping preserve rare mango varieties that are slowly disappearing.
What Does This Teach Us?
Where there is zeal and passion, anything is possible. This experimentation by Ukabhai Bhatti is proof that research and breeding in the agriculture sector can bring about a lot of change. It just requires one to work with dedication and sincerity, and everything is possible.
