Too many Mangoes? Never a bad thing!

To give more mangoes to savour to the people in the Capital, the state government in collaboration with National Cold Chain Board has embarked on special effort to transport mangoes directly from the orchards of the hinterland of Bengal to the National Capital in specially equipped refrigerated vans. The supply chain lasted for weeks to ensure the freshness of the fruit delivered to the buyers in Delhi. 

Around 24 tonnes of Bengal mango varieties like Himsagar, Laxmanbhog, Langra and Fazli are being sent to Delhi, Malda District Magistrate S K Dwivedi said. ‘The main objective of organising this festival is to establish the brands of Malda mangoes and to facilitate its marketing,’ he added. Organised by the food processing industries and horticulture department of the West Bengal government, the mango festival is being held at Dilli Haat, INA. Krishnendu Narayan Choudhary, at the inauguration of the event gave a long speech thanking Mamata Banarjee, the current CM of West Bengal for her initiative. He also emphasised on the fact that these mangoes were being brought to Delhi directly from the farmers and that no brokerage was involved. 

Set up in the AC Lounge, delectable varieties of mangoes like Langda, Fazli, Himsagar and Laxmanbhog, the last three having received registration under the Geographical Indication (GI) Index. A GI is a name or a sign used on certain products which correspond to a specific geographical location or origin. Typically, such a name assures quality and distinctiveness. 

For the first time, Amrapali mangoes from Bankura, successfully grown under a convergence program with MGNREGA, will be available towards the end of the festival. A lot to relish once you visit Dilli Haat. You will even be given the opportunity to relish processed mango products like Aam Panna and Mango pickles. 

The only sad part is, that the mangoes are overpriced. 12 mangoes for 400 rupees is the average price.