PROBLEM OF PLENTY: A worker segregating mangoes at a godown in Madurai. — Photo: G. Moorthy

MADURAI: The Temple City is flooded with mangoes from various areas such as Natham, Melur, Rajapalayam, Watrap, Bodinaickanur, Theni and Periyakulam.

The arrival of this tropical fruit this year is more when compared to previous years.

"It is not that the yield has improved considerably, but the area of cultivation has expanded. Hence, the mango arrival is ever increasing," says S. Raja Hasan, a wholesale dealer.

Botanically known as Mangifera Indica, the fruit is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and C, and is believed to have originated in India over 4,000 years ago.

No doubt, the country is the largest producer and exporter of this fruit in the world, with an annual production of 10.8 million tonnes, which accounts for more than 50 per cent of the global production.

More than 25 per cent of farmers in the area are into mango cultivation, as they get lucrative offers for their produce.

Several varieties of mangoes are being cultivated here.

Each variety has a unique taste and flavour. Balamani, Senthooram and Kaalapaadi are considered for direct consumption while the more juicy commercial varieties of mangoes cultivated in these parts such as Totapuri (known locally as `Kallaamai'), Neelam (known as `Kaasalattu'), Alphonso (known as `Kaathar') and Sappattai are sent to private juice factories, where mango pulp is packed in tins for export.

"Earlier, the Sappattai variety was widely cultivated in Rajapalayam area. Of late, it is grown in other areas also. Mangoes from Natham and Melur are considered to be of top quality, for they are able to endure the test of time and are fit to be transported to long distance destinations," said Mr. Hasan.

The main season for mango is May and June. It extends to July in some parts.

"Generally, experienced farmers can plan better, judging the flowering stage. The florescence was more this time. Thanks to technological advancements, certain hybrid varieties bloom during off-season also," said K. Ibrahim Ali, a farmer from Vemparali village near Madurai.

Some of the export companies procure the fruits directly from farmers while others go through the agencies.

"Sensing quick money, some farmers involve in unfair practices to ripen the fruits and what we do is store the fruits in a room with asbestos roof, so that the heat ripens the mangoes. Under normal circumstances, if the fruit is allowed to stay on the tree, it takes two months to ripen," said V.K. Selvam, a farmer from Kidaripatti.

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