Visitors explored an extensive array of indigenous mango varieties at the mela, rarely found in standard Rythu Bazar.
VISAKAPATNAM: The ‘Go Adarita Prakriti Adarita Rythu’ association organized a two-day organic mango mela in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. The event attracted farmers and local people to celebrate and promote organic and traditional mango cultivation practices.
Visitors explored an extensive array of indigenous mango varieties at the mela, rarely found in standard Rythu Bazar. Featured varieties include Panchdara Kalishalu, Panduri Mamidi, Kothapalli Kobbari, Swatgam, Amritham, Paparaju Goa, Nagulapalli Irasalu, Haider Saibu, Jahangir, Peddarasalu, Chinnarasalu, Banginapalli, Suvarna Adhinam, Kobbari Mamidi, Dondakaya, and Imam Pasand. The event highlights the rich biodiversity of local mango types while emphasising natural and organic farming methods that honour traditional cultivation.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a local buyer M. Sumalatha expressed her satisfaction on discovering mango varieties that are generally unavailable in standard markets or Rythu Bazars. She remarked, “It is a delightful experience to explore such a unique assortment,” emphasising her contentment with her purchases. Similarly, another buyer S. Chitti Babu noted that with the return of his grandchildren for the summer holidays, he seized the opportunity to acquire nearly every variety on display, highlighting the fair's appeal to families and traditional consumers alike.
Organisers reported that they had requested all participating farmers to arrive by Saturday evening. However, with a few yet to join, additional mango varieties are expected to be introduced by Sunday, promising even greater diversity as the mela concludes.
