Summers are a season when everyone eagerly awaits the arrival of mangoes and what if we say, one can get hold of their ripe, juicy and sweet mango in mid-April itself? All thanks to the Kesar variety of mango that is cultivated in Karnataka’s Koppal.

In Bengaluru, numerous households eagerly anticipate the annual arrival of Kesar mangoes from Koppal, typically delivered in mid-April following the harvest.

Among mango aficionados, the Kesar variety holds a special place, particularly those cultivated in the villages of Koppal. Padmakal T (48), a seasoned mango trader from Mandya shares, “Koppal’s Kesar mangoes attract traders from Hyderabad and Mumbai.”

Renowned for their distinctive sweet and sour taste, the Kesar variety of mangoes has established a thriving presence in the villages of Koppal. The region’s unique soil and climatic conditions have profoundly shaped the flavour of these mangoes, setting them apart from those cultivated elsewhere.

This has led to the creation of a distinct brand, ‘Koppal Kesar,’ similar to “Devgad Hapus’— originating from the Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra — highlighting the region’s contribution to the mango’s unique identity.

A visionary transformation in mango cultivation

Krishna Ukkunda, a horticulturist, has played a pivotal role in transforming the fortunes of Koppal’s mango growers.........

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