A groundbreaking joint research initiative by the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow, and the Bihar State Biodiversity Board is set to transform mango cultivation in Bihar. This extensive research has identified 23 superior varieties of ‘Biju’ mangoes, commonly grown from seeds, which possess qualities comparable to or even exceeding those of grafted (kalmi) varieties like Malda. This discovery promises a significant boost in income for Bihar’s mango farmers, as ‘Biju’ mangoes are now expected to fetch premium prices similar to the highly sought-after Malda.

The research highlights a paradigm shift in how ‘Biju’ mangoes, often considered inferior to grafted varieties, are perceived and valued. Scientists are now poised to inspire and encourage farmers to cultivate these superior ‘Biju’ varieties, ensuring that high-quality seed-propagated mangoes are developed and commercialized. This move aims to diversify Bihar’s mango portfolio and strengthen its position as a major mango-producing state.

Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Superior ‘Biju’ Varieties Discovered

The collaborative research, spanning across various mango-producing districts in Bihar, yielded surprising results. Scientists identified 23 distinct types of ‘Biju’ mangoes that exhibit excellent characteristics, challenging the conventional wisdom that only grafted varieties yield high-quality fruit. These newly identified ‘Biju’ varieties boast impressive attributes, including:

• Significant Weight: The research team found ‘Biju’ mangoes weighing between 450 grams to a remarkable one kilogram, indicating substantial fruit size.
• Superior Sweetness: Interestingly, these ‘Biju’ varieties were found to be sweeter than ‘kalmi’ (grafted) mangoes, a characteristic that is highly prized by consumers.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Scientist (Horticulture) at the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow, confirmed that these 23 ‘Biju’ mango types were identified across several key mango-producing districts in Bihar. These include Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Munger, East Champaran, Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Banka, among others. This widespread distribution indicates the vast potential for cultivating these superior varieties across the state.

Farmers to Be Empowered: Promoting ‘Biju’ Mango Cultivation

A key aspect of this initiative is the active involvement of scientists in empowering local farmers. A dedicated team of scientists will motivate and encourage farmers to develop and expand the cultivation of these superior ‘Biju’ mango varieties. The goal is to ensure that farmers adopt scientific methods for propagation and cultivation, leading to the consistent production of high-quality ‘Biju’ mangoes that meet market demands and fetch better prices.

To ensure the long-term sustainability and availability of these newly identified valuable varieties, special ‘Biju’ mango types will be conserved at three prominent agricultural centers in Bihar:

1. Sabour, Bhagalpur (likely referring to Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour)
2. Desri, Vaishali
3. Pusa Agricultural University, Samastipur

This conservation effort will help in maintaining the genetic purity of these varieties and serve as a source for further research and propagation.

Regional Discoveries: Highlighting Specific ‘Biju’ Varieties

The research also pinpointed specific locations and characteristics of some remarkable ‘Biju’ mangoes:

• Muzaffarpur District: Excellent quality ‘Biju’ mangoes were found in blocks like Minapur, Katra, Musahri, and Saraiya.
  • In Jamin Mathia, Minapur, four distinct types of ‘Biju’ mangoes were identified.
  • In Amma village, Katra, a particular ‘Biju’ variety consistently produces fruits weighing over 500 grams.
  • Bishanpur Manohar, Musahri, yielded ‘Biju’ varieties resembling popular types like Chausa and Malda mangoes.
  • In Dwarikanagar, Musahri, an improved ‘Biju’ variety of Malda stands out from other ‘Biju’ types.
• Saraiya’s Baghnagari is home to a ‘Biju’ mango tree that remarkably yields over two thousand fruits per season, indicating high productivity.
• Other Districts: Varieties like Sipiya, Kishanbhog, Rajbhog, and various colorful ‘Biju’ types were discovered across other districts.
• Vaishali District: A ‘Biju’ variety of Sipiya mango in Vaishali was found to yield 20% more fruit than its grafted ‘kalmi’ counterpart, underscoring the yield potential of these seed-propagated trees.

These findings are crucial as they provide concrete examples of the superior qualities and high yield potential of specific ‘Biju’ varieties. This data will be instrumental in convincing farmers to invest in and cultivate these types, knowing they can expect significant returns.

The Economic Impact: Boosting Farmers’ Income

Historically, ‘Biju’ mangoes have often been sold at lower prices compared to grafted varieties due to perceived inconsistencies in quality and taste. However, this new research directly challenges that perception by identifying and validating superior ‘Biju’ varieties. By assuring farmers that these specific ‘Biju’ mangoes can fetch prices on par with popular grafted varieties like Malda, the initiative aims to:

• Increase Farmer Income: Farmers will be able to realize better profits from their existing or newly planted ‘Biju’ mango trees.
• Diversify Mango Production: Encouraging ‘Biju’ cultivation will diversify the state’s mango basket, offering consumers a wider range of high-quality options.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: ‘Biju’ mangoes, grown from seeds, are often more resilient and adaptable to local conditions, potentially requiring fewer inputs and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.
• Unlock Untapped Potential: The research highlights the untapped genetic diversity and economic potential of native ‘Biju’ mango varieties in Bihar.

This concerted effort by agricultural scientists and biodiversity experts signifies a major step towards recognizing and capitalizing on Bihar’s rich mango diversity. The focus on ‘Biju’ mangoes not only promises economic benefits for farmers but also contributes to the conservation of unique local varieties that might otherwise be overlooked.

As these superior ‘Biju’ mango varieties gain recognition and market acceptance, Bihar’s mango industry is poised for significant growth, providing both economic prosperity for its farmers and a wider array of delicious, high-quality mangoes for consumers.

KKNLive.com will continue to follow this exciting development in Bihar’s agriculture sector, bringing you updates on the cultivation and market impact of these newly recognized ‘Biju’ mango varieties.