Bengaluru’s mangoes draw Russian scientists’ attention

They are thinking of introducing mangoes in parts of Russia

Russian scientist Irina Mitrofanova

The Garden City’s mangoes have caught the imagination of Russian scientists who are now thinking of introducing cultivation of the king of fruits in some parts of Russia that have suitable weather.

The scientists got introduced to different varieties of mangoes during their recent visit to the Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) that has a large collection of high-yielding and improved m ango varieties.

“Presently, Russia does not cultivate mangoes due to difficult weather conditions. But then, we have cultivated several fruit crops, including pomegranate, in adverse situations. So why not cultivate mangoes at least in areas where it is possible?” asked Irina Mitrafanova, head of the Plant Development Biology, Biotechnology and Biosafety Department, Russia.

Dr. Mitrafanova, who is heading a five-member delegation of Russian scientists participating in the ongoing international symposium on horticulture in Bengaluru to mark the golden jubilee of IIHR, said she has to discuss the issue with other authorities before making a decision.

Speaking to The Hindu, she noted that Russia had focussed on horticultural development in a big way since 2010 and pointed out that this year’s horticultural production in the country had accounted for one-third of the total agricultural production. She said there was a good scope for India and Russia to work in collaboration on horticulture development.

Russia had developed several vegetable and fruit varieties which could withstand viral diseases for nearly eight years with the application of BT, she said,. Also, it has developed several pomegranate varieties which could withstand extreme cold weather to the level of less than zero degree, she pointed out.

Similarly, Russia was looking at India, particularly Bengaluru, towards molecular method of diagnostics and plant Biotechnology and post-harvest technologies, she said.

About 1.7 million deaths in the world every year are attributed to very low consumption of fruit and vegetables, said K.L. Chadha, president, Horticultural Society of India, at an international symposium on ‘Horticulture: Priorities & emerging trends’ here on Tuesday, citing international studies.

Horticultural crops like fruits and vegetables played a key role in ensuring “nutritional security” due to their high nutrient qualities, he said. Studies have shown that lack of access or insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables was being attributed to 14% of gastrointestinal cancer deaths, 11% of ischemic heart disease deaths and 9% of stroke deaths globally.