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The fanfare for mangoes is well-known across the country. It comes as no surprise then that a mango village has now come into the picture. Located in Kerala, the Kannapuram village is home to more than 200 varieties of mangoes, and has been acknowledged for preserving such a wide variety of the ‘king of fruits’.
What might just be a summer fruit for some people is actually a source of pride for the residents of Kannapuram. A small area in the village, called Kuruvakkavu, is home to more than 102 varieties of mangoes according to a report by a leading publication. Grown on 382 trees, this area yields a diverse range of unique mango species. Last year on World Mango Day, the state’s Biodiversity Board accorded Kannapuram the status of an Indigenous Mango Heritage area.
While this is a huge recognition and motivation for the residents of this small village, the quest for recognising and growing a wide variety of mangoes began with Shyju Machathi, a local police officer, who developed interest in mango cultivation in 2016. The chopping down of a really old mango tree with a rare variety called Velatha acted as a driving force for Shyju and his friend to take up the matter in their hands, as per an interview of the police officer with a publication.
Mangoes
The taste, colour, texture, and other characteristics of each of the mangoes grown in the region puts them in a new light. Due to this vast availability of mangoes that are grown locally, the village has begun hosting an annual Mango festival on the first Sunday of May where the indigenous species of these fruits are used to make different dishes, right from chutneys to achaar and curries.
To benefit from the mango biodiversity of Kannapuram, the villagers are also aiming at organising mango-themed heritage walks in order to create awareness about the local varieties and their tastes. Not only will this add to the economy of the region but also keep the rich heritage of this fruit in our country alive.
