Growers go for some mango diplomacy to boost Dusherri

After getting the Dusherri variety of mango patented in 2012, growers are going all out to popularise this variety, presenting a feast before foreign delegates and dignitaries later this week.

“Ambassadors of 12 countries will be presented a feast of Dusherri in the mango belt of Malihabad, besides a glimpse of the traditions associated with the fruit, in a three-day programme beginning June 28,” said Mango Growers’ Association of India president Isram Ali told.

Being regarded as ‘mango diplomacy’, discussions will be held with foreign delegates on ways and means to make this variety available in their countries.

Among those who have confirmed participation are ambassadors of Algeria, Fiji, New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Trinadad and Tobago, Brunei, Kazakistan, Benia and Niger, Ali said.

Minister of state for agriculture and food processing Tariq Anwar will also take part. The association said these envoys will be presented Dusherri saplings and requested to make it popular in their respective countries.

On June 29, a compilation of poems (on mango) Aamnama will be released along with a gazal night and drama Aam and Ghalib.

Ali said the state government is not cooperating with mango growers, due to which business is not flourishing.

Despite requests, subsidy on mango export was not being increased, he said, adding that growers cultivating the fruit on the three lakh hectare mango belt were facing problems of power and water supply. Ali said he will take up these problems with Anwar during the programme.