Mango lovers bite into luxury at Kadri Park mela

Mangaluru: From the premium Japanese Miyazaki mango to traditional varieties like Alphonso, mango lovers in the city are flocking to the three-day Cashew Apple, Mango and Jackfruit Mela at Kadri Park.One of the biggest attractions at the mela is the famed Miyazaki mango, a premium Japanese variety internationally known for its rich aroma, buttery texture and distinct sweetness. Often regarded as one of the world's costliest mangoes, it fetches up to Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per kilogram in international markets and has found eager buyers in the coastal city as well.Ganesh N Gunaga of Bombat Mango, Ankola, who brought around 25 Miyazaki mangoes to the mela, told TOI that by Saturday evening, 21 mangoes were already sold at Rs 2,000 per fruit. "People are extremely curious about the variety. One customer bought three of them. Back home, I sell nearly 600 mangoes annually," he said.Apart from Miyazaki, Ganesh also showcased the GI-tagged Kari Ishad mango, known for its rich pulp. He said the variety was historically believed to have been exported to the United Kingdom during the colonial era. "Earlier, Kari Ishad was sold for Rs 100 to Rs 200 per kg. After receiving the GI tag, prices increased to nearly Rs 300," he added.Interestingly, while mango production in Ankola has increased by nearly 40% this year, exports have declined due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, leading to a drop in Alphonso prices, he said.Growers from other parts of Karnataka, however, painted a contrasting picture. Mahesh from Ramanagara said erratic weather conditions reduced mango yield in the region by nearly 80%. He displayed Alphonso, Raspuri, Lalbagh, Banganapalli and Malgova varieties at the fair.Another crowd-puller was the Imam Pasand mango brought by Mallesh of Channapatna, priced at Rs 400 per kg.Beyond mangoes, visitors were also enthusiastically trying cashew apple delicacies, many for the first time. These included halwa, payasa, ice cream, cashew apple juice and ‘sheera'.The mela, which began on Friday, has been organised by Raita Kudla Pratisthana, Siri Totagarike Sangha and Savayava Krushika Grahaka Balaga.