Mango, the King of Fruits

N. Munal Meitei,
Environmentalist email: nmunall@yahoo.in

National Mango Day is celebrated on 22 July since 1987 as supported by the National Horticulture Board, acknowledged by the Tourism Board of India. Since then, the day is observed by mango lovers with bustling mango markets, vibrant exhibitions and a plethora of delectable mango sweets.

India was the first country to cultivate mangoes in the world since 4000 years ago. Mango is one of the most consumed fruits in the world. It is more than simply a fruit; it’s an integral component of our culture, history and integrity. Mango is a fleshy drupe fruit belonging to the genus Mangifera in family Anacardiaceae. Now, mango has been distributed worldwide to become one of the most cultivated fruits calling it, the king of the fruits. It is the national fruit of India, Pakistan and Philippines and the national tree of Bangladesh.

This day reminds, the sweet and succulent mango’s role in various cultures, where it symbolizes abundance, prosperity and unity. In Indian mythology, mangoes are often associated with love and fertility. They are considered symbols of prosperity and good fortune. In several cultures, its leaves are ritually used as floral decorations at weddings, public celebrations and religious ceremonies. The mango represents abundance and joy, making it an integral part of several religious festivities.

Mango day holds significant importance as it cherishes the value of tropical fruits. It highlights the rich diversity of mango varieties, promoting their nutritional value and versatility in culinary creations. Mango day fosters a sense of community, bringing people together to share their love for this yellow fruit through various activities, feasts and events. It also serves as a reminder of the agricultural significance of mango cultivation, encouraging sustainable practices and environmental importance for the fruit’s growth and production.

Mango contains a variety of phytochemicals and nutrients. Mango peel and pulp contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Mangoes are a rich source of essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and K, vitamin B6, foliate, B vitamins and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Mangoes are high in dietary fibre, aiding digestion and promoting regular bowel movements. They can also help prevent constipation and other digestive issues.

Mango fruits help to lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure. Despite being acidic in taste, mangoes have an alkalizing effect on the body. Consuming mangoes can help to maintain the body’s acid-base balance. Mangoes are relatively low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet, particularly for those who want to lose body weight. Thus, a mango fruit provides 50% of our daily vitamin C, 8% of daily vitamin A and 8% of our daily vitamin B6.

People eagerly await the arrival of the season for this succulent and flavorful fruit, cherishing its indulgence throughout the year. This day is a joyous occasion to celebrate the rich heritage and delightful flavors of this regal fruit. It’s a time to relish its sweetness, savor its unique characteristics and appreciate its cultural significance.

The mango has a special significance for this country. Historical records mentioned Mughal emperor Akbar ordered the plantation of 100,000 mango trees. Poets like Kalidas, Mirza Ghalib and Rabindranath Tagore wrote many stories on Mangos. The word ‘mango’ originated from the Tamil word mangai or mankay meaning ‘unripe fruit’. Mango trees grow up to 35–40 m tall and live, up to 300 years. Mangoes are evergreen and the drupe fruit takes three to six months to ripe.

The mango is cultivated in warmer subtropical climates and more than a third of the world’s mangoes are cultivated in India, followed by China. Now mangoes are grown everywhere in the world. Though India is the largest producer of mangoes, it accounts for less than 1% of the international mango trade; India consumes most of its own production. In Manipur, mango is vastly grown in all the districts. Though we have abundant production, due to lack of technical knowledge and storage facilities, the mango fruits cannot be made available in the markets for a longer period except imported from outside.

The global mango production is around 59 million metric tons and India produced 21 million metric tons in 2023. Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are the top three producers. The current market dominant mango varieties are Chausa, Dasheri, Rataul, Langra, Himsagar, Tommy Atkins, Alphonso, Benishaan or Benisha, Kesar, Malgova, Peethar, Rumani, Bangalura, Rasalu, Thothapari, Neelam, Sindhoora, Fajli and Salem etc.

Mangoes have a global appeal, and their sweet, juicy taste makes them a favourite fruit for many people around the world. From their cultural significance to their nutritional value, mangoes have captured the hearts and souls of many people across the world. As a part to celebrate Mango Day, let’s plant abundant mango trees and enjoy the environmental greenery and taste the sweetness of the fruits. This will surely enhance the beauty and economy of our villages, not only to conserve the degraded environment. Therefore, on National Mango Day 2024, let’s revel the lusciousness of the mango, the true king of the fruits.