Mango picking tourism is catching up despite this being the off-year (low mango production year).
This is the third consecutive year that the Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Board (KSMDMB) has organised mango tourism for Bengalureans.
Demand for tours is only increasing so much so that people from states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are also showing interest. Impressed by the results, the board is also in talks with the state government and tourism department to put it on the tourism map. According to board members, it is gaining more popularity than wine tourism.
The first tour of this season will be held on May 19 at Ramanagara, where Badami mango is in abundance. Henceforth, the tours will be held every Sundays.
Tours have picked up among Bengalureans because people get to experience the mango farms, the agrarian life, pluck fruits, eat fresh fruits and enjoy local cuisines. Farmers also sell fruits at a lesser price than what is sold in the market.
B Mohan, a senior citizen, said: “We have been going on tours every year. This is one of the best thing in summer for us. Not just because we like mangoes, but because we get to choose what we want and how much. My wife carries a sack to take varieties of mangoes to make pickles, curries and other cuisines".
Dr C G Nagaraju, managing director, KSMDMB, told DH that people of all age groups, especially senior citizens and children, enjoy the tours. “We are working on making the tours more popular. Talks with the government are on, at least to make it seasonal. This is not only helping farmers, but is also becoming a part of the hospitality sector,” he said.
Sensing the demand among the cosmopolitan crowd of Bengaluru, many farmers have also started hosting independent tours. Nagaraju said that it was a good trend as it only showed that demand from customers is increasing.
The Board is also open to organise independent tours on weekdays, if the group comprises more than 40 members. Nagaraju said that citizens need not wait for Sundays, if the group enough and if the farmers are willing, weekdays tours can also be held.