LUCKNOW: City residents relished a diverse variety of mangoes during the Mango Mela organised at the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) on Tuesday.
It was not just a mango treat but also an opportunity for the people to see about 700 varieties of mangoes in 100 hectares during a tonga ride in Rehmankhera village.
Total 400 varieties of mangoes were exhibited for the people of which 150 were presented by CISH while 250 were showcased by local farmers and farmer producer organizations (FPOs).
A 'kisan goshthi' was also organized where farmers talked about post- harvest handling, processing and marketing of mangoes.
Visitors also participated in a mango-eating competition. They also tasted a variety of food items made of mango.
Minister of state (independent charge), horticulture, Dinesh Pratap Singh, said: "The farmers should take advantage of the technologies developed by the CISH scientists. It will surely strengthen the mango industry. I also congratulate the scientists for helping farmers in conservation of mango varieties and registration through the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Right Act."
Guest of honour, Padma Shri Kaleemullah Khan, asked the farmers not to spray toxic insecticides at the time of full bloom in mango. He asked them to spray only recommended pesticides in adequate quantity at the right time.
CISH director Neelima Garg also requested the minister to establish mango processing units in Malihabad.
