Appemidi Mango Survey in Karnataka Reveals Rich Genetic Diversity
As summer heat intensifies in Bengaluru, anticipation builds for the arrival of mangoes, but a unique conservation effort has taken center stage in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district. Volunteers and researchers recently completed a three-day survey to document the genetic diversity of the Appemidi mango, an endemic variety found exclusively in the Western Ghats regions of Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga districts.
Extensive Trek Uncovers 75 Distinct Varieties
The Aghanashini Appemidi Tree Diversity Survey Documentation Walk, held from March 30 to April 1, covered over 35 kilometers along the Aghanashini river basin. Starting from Sarkuli Holebail in Siddapur taluk and ending at Nagarakodi near Baluru, the exercise mapped nearly 75 distinct varieties of Appemidi mango. Over 50 participants, including researchers, villagers, forest officials, and horticulture experts, trekked through dense forests and challenging terrain to achieve this milestone.
Anant Hegade Ashisara, former chairperson of the Western Ghats Task Force, explained, "The survey aimed at understanding the prevalence of Appemidi trees along the Aghanashini riverbank, their diversity, density, and associated indigenous knowledge. Key concerns such as climate change, declining water flow, and conservation challenges were also discussed."
Conservation Proposals and Government Actions
At the conclusion of the walk, participants resolved to recommend Appemidi mango for inclusion as a spice product under the Spices Board India and proposed declaring a 100-meter stretch on either side of the Aghanashini river as a biodiversity heritage site. This initiative, led by Vruksha Laksha Andolana, is seen as a precursor to broader conservation measures in the river basin.
Vadnal Jagadish, chairperson of the Karnataka Biodiversity Board, stated during the valedictory, "The board has already recommended the proposal to declare the Aghanashini Appemidi cluster as a traditional biodiversity heritage site, and the state government will soon take a decision." Prasanna Kerekai, a member of the Spices Board India, added, "Already 52 spices are under the purview of the Spices Board, and efforts will be made to include Appemidi as the 53rd spice."
Challenges and Threats to Appemidi Mangoes
Researchers noted significant challenges, including climate change and human activities. In the Nadaguli area alone, around 50 Appemidi trees were identified, many located along steep valleys and near the river. A botanist from Bengaluru explained, "The fallen fruits get washed away. If we prevent this and preserve them, they can be propagated further." Ramanna, a native harvester, highlighted the impact of climate change, saying, "Until a few years ago, we used to harvest about 40,000 to 50,000 mangoes, but now we get only 10,000 to 12,000."
Villagers also flagged threats from excessive use of earthmovers and backhoes, noting that areas with less human intervention and prone to landslides have seen drastic reductions in tree numbers. Researchers urged the state government to constitute a vigilance team comprising villagers to safeguard Appemidi trees from axing.
What is Appemidi Mango?
The Appemidi mango is an endemic cultivar found only in Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga districts of Karnataka. Small and tender, it is regarded as the king among raw mango varieties and is highly sought after by the South Asian pickle industry. Mostly found in the wild, these mangoes are pulpy, known for their distinctive aroma and long shelf life. The variety was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in September 2009, and an earlier study by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research preserved 33 distinct varieties.
Balachandra Saimane, convener of the documentation walk, emphasized, "Already the Central government has granted a GI tag to Appemidi varieties of Shivamogga and Sirsi, but the horticulture department must make efforts to distribute saplings by setting up a dedicated nursery." This survey underscores the urgent need for conservation to protect this unique genetic heritage for future generations.
