From Forest Villages to Premium Orchards: Odisha Farmers Experiment With Miyazaki Mango
The fruit has gained global attention for its premium market value, with reports suggesting prices ranging between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 3 lakh per kilogram in international markets.
Bhubaneswar: Farmers in Odisha’s tribal-dominated districts such as Malkangiri and Kalahandi are gradually turning towards cultivation of the Japanese Miyazaki mango, one of the world’s costliest fruit varieties, in an attempt to diversify income and explore high-value horticulture.
Known for its deep reddish-purple colour, exceptional sweetness and rich nutritional content, the Miyazaki mango originates from Japan’s Miyazaki region.
Deba Madkami, a resident of Tamasa village in Malkangiri district, said the Miyazaki mango, known for its attractive appearance, rich taste and premium quality, has witnessed growing demand in international markets.
“The fruit has drawn global attention because of its premium market value, with reports suggesting that it fetches between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh per kilogram in international markets,” Madkami said.
In Odisha, progressive farmers have started cultivating the exotic variety alongside traditional mango species. Among them is Rakshyakar Bhoi from Kalahandi district, who sourced saplings through the horticulture department and began experimenting with the Japanese mango in his orchard.
Horticulture experts said the fruit is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, minerals and dietary fibre, making it attractive both as a luxury fruit and a health product. Officials believe such initiatives could help farmers increase earnings through high-value crops.
The trend reflects a broader shift in Indian agriculture, where many young and progressive farmers are moving towards horticulture and exotic fruit cultivation instead of depending entirely on conventional crops that often suffer from fluctuating market prices and unpredictable weather conditions.
In districts like Malkangiri, which have long faced challenges such as poverty and limited market opportunities, cultivation of premium fruit varieties is being seen as a new avenue for economic development. Earlier mango plantation initiatives in tribal areas had shown encouraging results, paving the way for experimentation with international varieties.
However, experts caution that Miyazaki mango cultivation is not easy. The fruit requires suitable climatic conditions, scientific nutrient management and protection from pests and extreme temperatures. Growers and horticulture officials said more research is needed to assess how successfully the Japanese variety can adapt to Odisha’s climate over the long term.
