If you love mangoes, the recent Mango Festival in Bhubaneswar is a must-visit. Organized by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), this event showcases the wide variety of mangoes grown in Odisha. The festival took place at NABARD’s office in Nayapalli and lasted for four days. It was inaugurated by Governor SC Jamir, who praised the initiative.
Visitors to the festival could enjoy many types of mangoes, including Amrapali, Baiganpalli, and Alphonso. There were also other fruits like litchi and jackfruit. This festival aims to support tribal farmers by providing them a platform to sell their produce and interact with government officials and banks.
Odisha is home to over 250 mango varieties. Unfortunately, many of these are at risk of extinction. NABARD is working to promote popular varieties through its Wadi development programme. This programme aims to improve the livelihoods of marginalized families in remote areas. Under Wadi, farmers receive financial assistance to grow mangoes and other fruits and vegetables.
KC Panigrahi, the Chief General Manager of NABARD, shared the success of this initiative. He mentioned that they have implemented 51 Wadi projects across 17 tribal-dominated districts. This year, about 44,367 tribal families have engaged in farming across 37,564 acres. The financial assistance per acre has increased from ₹25,000 to ₹45,000. Additionally, farmers are encouraged to practice inter-cropping, which helps them earn more.
The festival is crucial for these farmers. Many struggle to sell their crops and often have to accept very low prices. The Mango Festival allows them to sell their products at fair market prices. On the first day of the festival, farmers sold more than 70 quintals of mangoes. This positive start shows the enthusiasm for the event.
Governor Jamir expressed his support for NABARD’s efforts to organize such exhibitions. He believes it will greatly benefit tribal farmers by allowing them to sell their mangoes without middlemen. This direct selling approach ensures that farmers earn better profits for their hard work.
The festival also aims to increase awareness about the variety of mangoes in Odisha. With so many different types available, it highlights the state’s agricultural diversity. Visitors are encouraged to buy fresh produce and support local farmers.
In conclusion, NABARD’s Mango Festival is a significant event for both mango lovers and farmers. It not only celebrates the delicious fruit but also promotes sustainable agriculture and supports the livelihoods of tribal communities. As the festival continues, it is expected to attract even more visitors eager to enjoy and purchase some of Odisha’s finest mangoes.