Profit-Maximizing Mango Varieties for Indian Farmers: Discover the Top 10 Lucrative Mango Types to Cultivate!
India, renowned for its rich and diverse mango cultivars, boasts a wide array of mango varieties that differ in taste, climate suitability, and farming methods. Here's a look at some of the most prominent ones.
Alphonso (Hapus)
Known as the "king of mangoes," Alphonso is highly prized for its rich sweetness and saffron-hued pulp. This variety grows mainly in Maharashtra under a suitable climate of warm days and cool nights during the maturation period. Alphonso enjoys high market demand due to its superior taste and export potential, fetching prices between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,500 per dozen in export markets.
Kesar
Originating from Gujarat, Kesar is often referred to as the "Queen of Mangoes." Known for its bright orange pulp, sweet taste, and aroma, Kesar is suited to warm climates with moderate rainfall. It is popular in the market due to its flavor and pulp quality, often fetching premium prices.
Dasheri
Dasheri, primarily grown in Uttar Pradesh, is medium to large in size with sweet, aromatic, fiberless pulp. This variety is adapted to subtropical climates with hot summers and mild winters, making it a favourite in North India. Its market demand is high due to its pleasant aroma and taste.
Banganapalli (Safeda)
Cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Banganapalli is large, oblong in shape with firm, fiberless flesh, and mild sweetness. This variety thrives in tropical/subtropical climates and is available April to June, making it highly demanded for fresh consumption.
Totapuri
Predominant in South India and Gujarat, Totapuri is distinctive for its parrot-beak shape, tangy flavor, and firm flesh. It grows well in tropical/subtropical climates and is popular for pickles and processing rather than fresh eating due to its tartness.
Neelam
Popular in South India, Neelam is medium-sized, oblong, and has a sweet-tangy flavor. It is harvested May–July and is suitable for extended shelf life markets and late-season sales. Neelam's farming benefits from its climate adaptability and resistance traits.
Awadh Abhaya (Hybrid)
A new climate-resilient hybrid developed by ICAR-CISH, Awadh Abhaya combines Neelum and Tommy Atkins traits. It features regular yield, firm fruits with long shelf life, and disease tolerance. Ideal for late-season cultivation, Awadh Abhaya helps farmers avoid market gluts and fetch better prices.
Most major mango varieties prefer tropical to subtropical climates with distinct dry and wet seasons. Climate-resilient hybrids like Awadh Abhaya are bred to adapt to climate stress and extended seasonal markets. The most demanded varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, and Dasheri fetch premium prices due to their flavor, aroma, and export quality. Varieties like Totapuri and Banganapalli have steady demand both for fresh consumption and processing industries. Hybrids aim to stabilize income by offering consistent and extended availability.
Traditional farming involves ensuring favourable climate, soil preparation, pest and disease management, and irrigation scheduling. Modern approaches include hybrid cultivation (Awadh Abhaya), integrated pest management, use of high-density orchards, and post-harvest technologies to improve shelf life and reduce losses. Mango farming in India can be highly profitable, with the potential to earn up to Rs. 10 lakh per acre per annum with selective variety choice, proper irrigation, efficient orchard management, and marketing linkage.
Cooking with these Indian mango varieties can significantly elevate your food-and-drink lifestyle. Explore unique recipes featuring Alphonso, Kesar, Dasheri, Banganapalli, Totapuri, Neelam, and the new climate-resilient hybrid Awadh Abhaya for a taste of each region's home-and-garden charm. These mangoes not only enhance the aroma in your recipes, but also add to the diversity of flavors in food-and-drink, making your lifestyle even more indulgent.
