In North Karnataka's Mumbai-Karnataka region, the state government has sanctioned the creation of a Mango Development Board in Dharwad taluk. This area is recognized for the production of Alphonso mangoes that meet international standards. The establishment of the board addresses a long-standing request from local farmers.
Dharwad, along with Belagavi, dedicates a considerable area to mango cultivation, with Dharwad alone accounting for over 14,000 hectares. The region's annual production exceeds one lakh metric tonnes, with the produce reaching major Indian cities and being exported to the Gulf and European countries.
The newly formed board aims to eliminate the challenges posed by middlemen by offering direct marketing opportunities to mango growers, thereby ensuring fairer compensation. Its mandate includes the advancement of mango varieties through research, farmer education, and export facilitation. Additionally, the board will endeavor to directly connect consumers with producers to achieve scientific pricing.
As part of the "One District, One Product" initiative, Dharwad has been identified as a mango hub, with an allocation of ₹7.5 crore from the National Horticulture Mission for this purpose. The board's main office will be located in Kumbapur, Dharwad, with plans for the foundation stone laying ceremony underway. The initiative has been met with positive responses from mango growers and local officials, highlighting its potential impact on the agricultural economy of the region.
Source: NewsKarnataka