Bengalureans may not be familiar with more than 10 mango varieties, but they now have an opportunity to be introduced to 350 at a three-day mango and jackfruit diversity fair being organised by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) at its campus in Hesarghatta from May 24 to 26.
The fair will also showcase about 80 varieties of jackfruit, according to IIHR Director Dr. M.R. Dinesh.
“This fair is going to be unique as we will also be presenting a scientific profile of all the mango and jackfruit varieties, including their vitamin content, along with the fruits,” Dr. Dinesh told The Hindu .
Those interested in any particular variety of mango or jackfruit can get the plant materials for a price, he said. The fair will cater to the needs of farmers, consumers and agricultural entrepreneurs, especially agricultural start-ups, he said.
While farmers would get details, such as methods of cultivation, entrepreneurs would be helped with information on ways and means to develop value-added products from fruits. This includes osmotically dehydrated products, juices, jams and various other products, Dr. Dinesh said.
In all, the IIHR is expecting 3 lakh people to visit the fair from the southern States as well as Maharashtra.
Pointing out that India was the primary centre of origin of both the mango and jackfruit, he said the diversity of these fruit varieties is very high in the country. Details on the fair may be had from Dr. B. Narayanaswamy, principal scientist and convenor of the fair (phone: 9480290345).
