Chhattisgarh Mango Tourism Potential: Governor Deka

Raipur, May 29 (PTI) Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka on Friday said mango is not just a fruit but an important pillar of Indian culture, agriculture and the rural economy, and the state has huge potential for 'mango tourism'.



He was speaking after inaugurating the three-day National Mango Festival at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University here. More than 250 varieties of mangoes were on display at the event.

Farmers should adopt modern technologies along with traditional farming practices and expand the production and marketing of mango-based products, Deka said.



India is a global leader in mango production and is home to more than 1,000 varieties of the king of fruits, he noted.




Highlighting the unique qualities of mango varieties from Chhattisgarh, Deka said farmers in the state should focus on cultivating high-quality varieties to establish a distinct identity in the market.



Regions such as Bastar, Kondagaon, Kanker and Surguja have significant potential for mango cultivation, he said, adding that the sector can also provide employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to women self-help groups.



Deka stressed the need to focus on value addition in mango production and said that agricultural institutions, including the Chhattisgarh State Seeds and Agriculture Development Corporation, should work together to promote the sector.



Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the state government is committed to doubling farmers' income in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and mango cultivation would play a key role in achieving this goal.