Chhattisgarh Has Huge Potential for Mango Tourism and Value Addition, Says Governor
TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 29,2026: Describing mango as a vital pillar of Indian culture, agriculture, and the rural economy, Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka on Thursday called upon farmers to enhance mango production by combining traditional farming practices with modern agricultural techniques.
The Governor was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the National Mango Festival held at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University in Raipur. The programme was presided over by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Speaking on the occasion, Ramen Deka said India is a global leader in mango production and is home to more than a thousand varieties of the fruit. Highlighting the uniqueness of Chhattisgarh’s indigenous mango varieties, he urged farmers to develop a distinct identity through the cultivation of premium-quality mangoes.
The Governor said festivals and exhibitions such as the National Mango Festival provide growers from different states an opportunity to exchange knowledge on advanced farming methods, new varieties, and innovations in horticulture.
He observed that districts such as Bastar, Kondagaon, Kanker, and Surguja possess immense potential for mango cultivation and related industries. He also emphasized that the sector could generate significant employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for women’s self-help groups.
“Chhattisgarh has immense possibilities for the development of Mango Tourism,” the Governor remarked.
He further stressed the importance of value addition in mango production and urged Indira Gandhi Agricultural University and the Chhattisgarh State Seed and Agriculture Development Corporation to work together to strengthen processing and marketing initiatives.
Highlighting environmental concerns, the Governor also appealed for eco-friendly lifestyles, greater water conservation efforts, plantation drives in mothers’ names, and wider adoption of rainwater harvesting systems.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, while addressing the gathering, described mango as the “King of Fruits” and spoke about its cultural and religious significance in Indian traditions.
“Mango leaves and wood are deeply connected to our customs and rituals. Mango leaves are used in auspicious ceremonies, while dried mango wood is used in havans and pujas,” he said.
More than 250 varieties of mangoes have been showcased at the festival, including small-sized varieties comparable to a jujube fruit and larger varieties such as the famous ‘Hathijhul’ mango from Bijapur.
The Chief Minister encouraged people from across the state to visit the festival and said mango cultivation would play a significant role in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of doubling farmers’ income.
After inaugurating the festival, Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai toured the exhibition stalls set up by mango growers and interacted with participants.
Among those present were Chandrahas Chandrakar, Suresh Chandravanshi, Vice-Chancellor Girish Chandel, Director of Research Services Vivek Kumar Tripathi, along with professors, researchers, farmers, and visitors in large numbers.
