The National Mango Festival in Raipur is showcasing more than 250 varieties of mangoes from five different states [1], [2].
The event serves as a critical platform for promoting agriculture and preserving rare fruit genetics. By bringing together diverse cultivars in one location, organizers aim to encourage farmers to cultivate high-value and endangered varieties that are often overlooked by commercial markets.
Hosted at the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University in Chhattisgarh, the festival concludes on May 31 [1]. The exhibition highlights the botanical diversity of the region, presenting a wide array of tastes and textures to visitors and agricultural experts.
Among the exhibits is a specific variety reported to be the most expensive in the world. According to reports, this mango is valued at ₹3 lakh per kilogram [2]. While the festival is based in Raipur, the high-value fruit is said to be grown in a district within Madhya Pradesh [2].
Organizers said that the primary goal of the festival is to display rare and valuable mango varieties from across the country [1]. The gathering allows for a direct exchange of knowledge between researchers and growers regarding the cultivation of these specialty fruits.
The event draws crowds eager to see the contrast between common commercial mangoes and these rare specimens. The presence of over 250 varieties [1] underscores the vast genetic heritage of the fruit in India, which remains a cornerstone of the regional agricultural economy.
“more than 250 varieties of mangoes from five different states”
The intersection of agricultural preservation and luxury markets, as seen with the ₹3 lakh mango, highlights a growing trend in 'boutique' farming. By showcasing these varieties at a university-led festival, India is attempting to bridge the gap between academic conservation and economic incentive, potentially turning rare biodiversity into a viable high-end export or luxury commodity.
