Patna : In an exciting development for mango lovers in the Terai region, residents of Bagaha and surrounding areas will soon be able to savor two of the world’s most exquisite and sought-after mango varieties—the Black Kasturi Mango from Thailand and the Miyazaki Mango from Japan.
Farmer Kalyan Shukla, a visionary horticulturist from Mangalpur in Bagaha, has successfully cultivated these rare mangoes along with other varieties in his orchard. With the mango season just around the corner, Shukla is not only harvesting these fruits but also selling saplings to fulfill the growing demand for these exotic mangoes in the region.
Shukla’s mango orchard spans one acre, while his litchi plantation covers an additional 1.5 acres. Together, the two orchards generate an annual income exceeding ₹5 lakh. Beyond the fruit, he also runs a thriving nursery, selling saplings of both local and rare fruit varieties. His latest offerings have sparked considerable interest in the region.
Black Kasturi Mango: Sweet and Unique
The Black Kasturi Mango, native to Thailand, is a strikingly unique fruit. With its dark purple to black skin, it stands apart from traditional mango varieties. Shukla describes its flavor as “as sweet as sugar candy,” making it a delicious treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Interestingly, the plant’s leaves and flowerheads also display a distinctive black hue. Additionally, the Black Kasturi Mango is said to be beneficial for diabetic patients, adding to its appeal.
Miyazaki Mango: A Luxury Fruit
On the other hand, the Miyazaki Mango from Japan is not only rare but also incredibly expensive. Known as the “King of Mangoes,” this variety is renowned for its rich, dark red and purple skin and its intensely sweet flavor. Priced at a staggering Rs2.5 to Rs3 lakh per kilogram, the Miyazaki Mango holds the title of the most expensive mango in the world. Shukla, who has also cultivated this luxury fruit in his garden, notes that the rich color and health benefits of colorful fruits and vegetables make them particularly valuable.
A Journey from Poultry Farming to Horticulture
Shukla’s path to mango farming wasn’t always clear. He initially ran a poultry farm, but after facing significant losses, he shifted his focus towards spirituality and nature conservation. This transition led him to plant mango and litchi trees decades ago. Over time, his passion for horticulture grew, and he expanded his activities to include a nursery, now spanning about one acre, where he cultivates a variety of fruit, flower, vegetable, and spice plants.
Shukla’s nursery has become a local attraction, with people traveling from far and wide to purchase saplings of exotic plants not readily available in the area. His offerings include not only Black Kasturi and Miyazaki mangoes but also Thai guava, big and small cardamom, water apple, and pear.
Rising Demand for Exotic Mangoes
As word spreads about the availability of these rare fruits, the demand for both Black Kasturi and Miyazaki mangoes has surged. Shukla has already prepared additional saplings to meet this demand, fulfilling the local desire for a taste of foreign mangoes. Alongside traditional varieties like Alphonso, Amrapali, Mallika, and Kesar, these exotic offerings are set to diversify the mango landscape in Bihar.
