Mango exhibition in Jamnagar attracts visitors in large numbers

A mango exhibition held for the first time at Jamnagar in Gujarat showcasing 50 varieties of the fruit, attracted visitors in large numbers. Around 50 varieties of mangoes from all over India as well as abroad were put on display in the exhibition out of which 20 varieties were put up for sale. The visitors were elated to see the different varieties of mangoes grown in Reliance Refinery like 'Kesar', 'Malda' and 'Langda'. "This is something superb, out of the world, I have not seen so many varieties at one place. This is excellent," said Ganga Dhar, a visitor. The information about different types of mangoes was also put up for the benefit of the visitors during the four-day exhibition. "In Jamnagar refinery, one lakh plantation has been done on around 500 acres of land. 25-30 types of mangoes are being grown out of which 'kesar' is the main variety," said Parimal Nathawani, Group president, Reliance. In India, mango is cultivated in almost 42 per cent of the total land under fruit crops. Uttar Pradesh has the largest area of 0.27 million hectares of mango cultivation, but the farmers all over India, are dependent on nature for the success or failure of their harvest. India is the world's biggest producer of this tropical fruit contributing 59 per cent of total production but its share in the world mango market is less than 15 per cent. It exports about 30,000 tons of mangoes every year to early 40 countries including Britain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Canada and now the United States and Japan. Mangoes account for around 39 per cent of the total fruit exports from India.