According to a report, the Noorjahan mangoes grown in Madhya Pradesh’s Alirajpur district are fetching higher prices this year due to better yield and larger fruit size. The price of Noorjahan mangoes ranges from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per fruit. A farmer mentioned that unlike last year, this time the yield of this variety has been good due to favorable weather conditions. Ishaq Mansoori stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the business. In 2020, adverse climatic conditions prevented Noorjahan trees from flowering properly. However, this year the crop of this variety has been good.
Afghan-Origin Noorjahan Mangoes
In MP’s Alirajpur district, the rare ‘Noorjahan’ mango trees are few in number. The three Noorjahan mango trees in one orchard have produced 250 mangoes. Bookings for these mangoes have already been made. Scientists are now making efforts to preserve this unique variety for future generations. The Noorjahan mango, believed to be of Afghan origin, is known for its large size, with weights ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms. In the market, its price can go up to ₹1,200 per kilogram.
Unique Features of Noorjahan Mangoes
Noorjahan mangoes are predominantly found in the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand regions. They are famous for their taste, sweetness, size, and weight. A single Noorjahan mango can weigh between 3.5 to 4 kilograms, which significantly increases its demand in the market. The Noorjahan mango has been honored with the National Award and the title ‘King of Mango‘ in 1999 and 2010.
Conservation Efforts for Noorjahan Mangoes
During a horticulture department review meeting, it was emphasized that scientific efforts to conserve Noorjahan mangoes in the Katthiwada region of Alirajpur district should be intensified. The concern is that very few trees of this mango variety remain. The divisional commissioner directed the horticulture department to use tissue culture to prepare new plants. In the horticulture department review meeting, Dr. R.K. Yadav, head of the Alirajpur Agricultural Science Center, reported that only 10 fruit-bearing trees of Noorjahan mangoes are left, and efforts are being made to prevent their extinction.
