Not Alphonso, Banganapalle is the king of mangoes in AP

Visakhapatnam: Popularly known as the ‘king of mangoes’ for being the most exported and expensive variety in India, Alphonso has a small space in Andhra Pradesh when compared to Banganapalle (Banginapalli). Andhraites say that their taste buds accept the Banganapalle mangoes for their pleasant aroma, smooth skin, and fibre-free pulp.Though some farmers in parts of AP grew Alphonso for its demand in the national and international market, mango lovers and scientists said that this mango variety grown in the state does not have much distinct aroma or taste.India is home to over 1,000 varieties of mangoes. However, only a few varieties are commercially cultivated. With a share of over 23 per cent, Uttar Pradesh produces most mangoes.This is followed by AP, Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana. India is also a prominent exporter of mangoes. Some major exporting hubs are UAE, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.However, the Alphonso is universally considered to be the king of the crop, especially out of India and specifically, the Ratnagiri variety that hails from Maharashtra. Significantly larger than their Alphonso counterparts, Banganapalle mangoes are produced in AP, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.Alphonso is a major horticulture crop in Maharashtra's Konkan belt and parts of the Western Ghats. Considering its popularity, some farmers in AP grow this variety in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema region. However, this season, the farmers were not happy with the yield and taste of the summer fruit.Speaking to TOI, principal scientist of mango research station, Nuzvid, Dr V Kanaka Mahalakshmi, said that their research on Alphonso in AP proved that the cultivation of this variety is best suited in a specific kind of soil and weather conditions which are not available in AP. Moreover, the local people relish Banganapalle variety only as they have become addicted to its pleasant aroma and sweetness, she added.Some farmers are selling the AP-grown Alphonso at 250 per kg. However, the quality of the fruit is not so good when compared to Ratnagiri’s Alphonso. “Though Alphonso is considered superior of all mangoes, Banganapalle is the ultimate,” said G Srinivas, a mango lover in the city. The demand for the mango grown in Rayalaseema region has been increasing in the global market, he added.The horticulture department officials said that diseases such as spongy tissue and blossom blight are being seen in the Alphonso variety in the AP region. We observed that AP’s humid weather is not fit for the high-yield and taste of this variety. So, comparatively, our Banganapalle is the best fruit, they added.
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