India is a leading producer and exporter of mangoes. The country grows about 1,500 varieties and exports nearly 50,000 tonnes of mangoes annually.
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Rare varieties such as Azam-us-Samar are sent from the Nizam’s family in Hyderabad to Queen Elizabeth. Mallika, a cross between Neelam from Tamil Nadu and Dussehri from Lucknow are popular in South Korea.
But with the COVID-19 lockdown, exports which traditionally happen in May look uncertain. Mango output in 2020 has already been impacted by delayed monsoon, cyclones and other climactic factors.
Also read | We must seek out different local varieties of mangoes: Vikram Doctor
As fruits harvested early lie unsold, farmers are looking at alternatives to tide over this crisis.
