The Mango Man of India: A Single Tree Yielding Over 350 Varieties
Mango, universally celebrated as the king of fruits, holds a special place in the hearts of millions who eagerly await its arrival each sweltering summer. The anticipation for that first sweet, juicy, and pulpy bite is a seasonal ritual. While countless orchards across India boast numerous mango varieties, one extraordinary tree in Uttar Pradesh defies all conventional horticultural limits by bearing more than 350 distinct types of mangoes, each with its own unique flavor, vibrant color, and fascinating backstory.
From School Dropout to Padma Shri Awardee: The Journey of Kaleem Ullah Khan
This incredible achievement is not the work of a large scientific institution but of an 85-year-old self-taught genius from Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh. Haji Kaleem Ullah Khan, who left formal education after failing the seventh grade, found his true calling and classroom among mango trees. After inheriting his family's orchard following his grandfather's passing, he discovered a profound passion and purpose in horticulture.
"I was never interested in studies, and when I began working in the orchard, I realised I can work hard in areas I am interested in," Khan told The Better India. His dedication transformed him into a celebrated figure, earning him the Padma Shri award in 2008 and a place in the Limca Book of Records. Today, he is widely known as the "Mango Man of India" for his 22-acre orchard and, most notably, a single 125-year-old tree that originally was an Alphonso but now hosts an astonishing array of over 350 mango varieties.
The Genesis of an Extraordinary Horticultural Vision
Khan's groundbreaking idea took root in 1957 when he first attempted to graft seven different mango types onto one tree. Although initial efforts were devastated by floods, this setback became a valuable lesson in managing waterlogged soil. By 1987, he intensified his experiments on his grandfather's ancient tree, which has now stood for nearly 125 years.
"The tree is nearly 125 years old now, and it belongs to my grandfather, yet it still stands tall, bearing all the diverse varieties of mangoes," he explained. Through relentless trials over decades, this tree has grown into a nine-meter giant, supporting 300 to 350 distinct fruits. Each variety retains its original flavor, size, and color thanks to Khan's precise grafting techniques, which involve skillfully joining branches to a robust rootstock.
The Art and Science Behind the Mango Marvel
Grafting is the cornerstone of Khan's success. His method involves slicing healthy branches from donor trees, carefully fusing them to the rootstock, and nurturing them until they form a strong bond. "The grafting process is an art. It's like a puzzle. You need to choose the right varieties, join them carefully, and nurture them for years before you can see the fruits of your labour," Kalimullah emphasizes.
His son, Nazimullah, 57, who left studies after Class 12 to assist his father, highlights the painstaking effort involved. For instance, creating hybrids like "Dushehri Kalim"—a blend of Dushehri and Sinduri varieties—took 12 years of dedicated work. The family sources seeds from diverse locations, including Mumbai and Delhi, ensuring compatibility and adequate space for each graft.
A Rainbow of Mango Varieties: From Classic to Celebrity-Inspired
The tree is a living catalog of mango diversity, featuring well-known varieties such as:
- Alphonso: Renowned for its velvety sweetness.
- Langra: A super-sweet green mango.
- Kesar: Famous for its fragrant and tangy profile.
- Dasheri: Celebrated for its juiciness.
- Chaunsa: Known for its aromatic pulp.
In addition to these classics, Khan has developed unique hybrids named after inspirational figures, including "Sachin Tendulkar," "Amitabh Bachchan," "Narendra Modi," "Anarkali," and "Aishwarya Rai." "I have named these mangoes after people who have inspired me or who are significant in some way," Khan shared.
Sustaining a Legacy: Challenges and Global Recognition
Nazimullah plays a crucial role in maintaining the orchard, meticulously monitoring rainfall—which affects fruit size—draining floodwaters, and combating fungi and pests. "Growing mangoes takes time, research, and effort. It's not an overnight process," he asserts.
Khan takes immense pride in his creations and invites visitors to experience the marvel firsthand. "People should visit my orchard to see the tree and understand the variety of mangoes, each with its distinct qualities." His innovative methods have attracted farmers from as far as Dubai and Iran, who come to study this blend of traditional wisdom and modern ingenuity.
"Mangoes are always in my heart. If given the chance, even desert landscapes could taste the sweetness of mangoes," Khan passionately declares, underscoring his lifelong devotion to this beloved fruit and his vision of spreading its joy worldwide.
