Keshar mango variety becoming popular

Keshar Mango, whose shelf life is more than Alphonso is very popular in the world market. "We have sent the first container of 150 ton s to Japan and now a team from Australia has arrived in Aurangabad to place orders for this juicy fruit," MGA chairman Trimbak Pathrikar told PTI.

He said nobody knows as to how the Keshar of Junagarh in Gujarat landed in the soil of Marathwada. However, its importance was realized when the world market started its demand on large scale. The story began in 1996 when the first container of Keshar was sent to London. With its 97 per cent shelf life the orthodox Britishers were highly enthused with the arrival of Keshar in the market. After twelve years, Keshar had established its taste in London. It was the real encouragement for the 70 members of the MGA, who made a mission to export Keshar, despite heavy odds.

Pathrikar said it all happened due to the dedication of the group of 11 farmers initially, who decided to export the Keshar, although at times they faced heavy losses.
However, MGA is now exporting Keshar to Japan, Hongkong and USA. "Our organisation received Vasantrao Naik Award and Udyan Pandit Award of the State Government," he said.