The three-day Cashew Apple, Mango and Jackfruit Mela at Kadri Park in Mangaluru has drawn mango enthusiasts with offerings ranging from the premium Japanese Miyazaki mango to traditional varieties like Alphonso.
Miyazaki Mango: A Star Attraction
The Miyazaki mango, internationally renowned for its rich aroma, buttery texture, and distinct sweetness, is one of the biggest attractions at the mela. Often considered among the world's costliest mangoes, it commands prices of Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per kilogram in global markets. At the mela, it has found eager buyers in the coastal city.
Ganesh N Gunaga of Bombat Mango, Ankola, brought around 25 Miyazaki mangoes to the event. He told TOI that by Saturday evening, 21 mangoes had been sold at Rs 2,000 per fruit. "People are extremely curious about the variety. One customer bought three of them. Back home, I sell nearly 600 mangoes annually," he said.
GI-Tagged Kari Ishad Mango
In addition to Miyazaki, Ganesh showcased the GI-tagged Kari Ishad mango, known for its rich pulp. He noted that this variety was historically believed to have been exported to the United Kingdom during the colonial era. "Earlier, Kari Ishad was sold for Rs 100 to Rs 200 per kg. After receiving the GI tag, prices increased to nearly Rs 300," he added. Interestingly, while mango production in Ankola has increased by nearly 40% this year, exports have declined due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, leading to a drop in Alphonso prices.
Contrasting Yield from Other Regions
Growers from other parts of Karnataka painted a contrasting picture. Mahesh from Ramanagara reported that erratic weather conditions reduced mango yield in the region by nearly 80%. He displayed Alphonso, Raspuri, Lalbagh, Banganapalli, and Malgova varieties at the fair. Another crowd-puller was the Imam Pasand mango brought by Mallesh of Channapatna, priced at Rs 400 per kg.
Cashew Apple Delicacies
Beyond mangoes, visitors enthusiastically tried cashew apple delicacies, many for the first time. These included halwa, payasa, ice cream, cashew apple juice, and sheera.
The mela, which began on Friday, has been organised by Raita Kudla Pratisthana, Siri Totagarike Sangha, and Savayava Krushika Grahaka Balaga.
