Bhubaneswar: While mango varieties such as Alphonso and Dussehri dominate national markets and conversations, Odisha continues to nurture a wide range of indigenous mango varieties that have been preserved through generations of traditional cultivation practices.
Among the most widely preferred native varieties is Bombai, especially popular across coastal Odisha for its sweetness, aroma, and juicy pulp. Other traditional varieties include Karpura Basa, valued for its distinct fragrance, and Gulab Basa, known for its floral aroma. Researchers have also documented Chena Manda as a rare local genotype in regional horticultural studies.
The state’s mango diversity further extends to lesser-known varieties such as Kalimundi, Madhu, Aruni, Ganga, Sundari, Kishan Bhog, Basti, and Totapuri, along with several tribal landraces cultivated in different parts of the state.
Many of these traditional mango varieties are grown in districts such as Koraput district, Rayagada district, Mayurbhanj district, and Dhenkanal district, where local farming communities continue to conserve native orchards and seed lines.
Experts emphasise that protecting indigenous mango varieties is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, and safeguarding Odisha’s agricultural heritage. Despite receiving limited commercial attention compared to nationally marketed varieties, these native mangoes remain deeply embedded in the state’s food culture, seasonal economy, and traditional farming systems.
-OdishaAge
