Considering the significance of early mango in enhancing profitability of mango growers of the region, a Field Day on “Arka Neelachal Kesari: An Extra Early Mango” was organized by CHES (ICAR-IIHR) on April 15, 2021, under the RKVY Project. The program was attended by more than 50 mango growers of Nayagarh, Boudh, Sonepur, Cuttcak, Puri and Khordha districts. At the outset, Dr. G. C. Acharya, Head I/c, welcomed the guests and participants and highlighted the significance of extra early mango in enhancing income owing to high market price as fruit matures in late March to April. He informed that the station has developed production technology for Arka Neelachal Kesari under high density plantation which would help in enhancing its production. He advised the farmers to grow Arka Neelachal Kesari for making mango cultivation more profitable and viable. In his inaugural address, Dr. S. N. Behera, Ex-Director, Directorate of Horticulture, Govt. of Odisha appreciated CHES, Bhubaneswar for promoting extra early mango variety among mango growers through Field Day. He emphasized the need of growing extra early, early, mid and late season mango varieties for sustainable development of mango cultivation in the state. He also stressed upon the significance of production technology and post-harvest management of mango for enhancing market value. Sh. O. P. Rath, Joint Director, Directorate of Horticulture, Govt. of Odisha informed that the Department of Horticulture realized the importance of Arka Neelachal Kesari in enhancing farmers’ income and is promoting the early season mango variety in the state. Dr. Kundan Kishore highlighted the features of Arka Neelachal Kesari including fruit quality. He also elaborated the significance of canopy management and adoption of calendar of operations for getting quality yield. Sh. Sangram Pradhan, a progressive farmer from Boudh, shared his experience on Arka Neelachal Kesari and told that in coastal region fruit matured between late March to April, but in western part maturation get delayed. However, fruits were harvested two weeks before Dashehri, he added. While proposing vote of thanks, Dr. Manas Sahoo, Prin. Sci. acknowledged the Directorate of Horticulture for arranging mango growers from different districts.
The participants were demonstrated production technology of Arka Neelachal Kesari. such as canopy management, water and nutrient management and insect pest and diseases management. During the visit to Post-harvest Unit, Dr. Kundan Kishore highlighted the importance of washing, grading, HWT, ethylene gas mediated ripening, packaging and cling wrapping in value addition of Arka Neelachal Kesari. Participants appreciated such kind of programme and realized the potential of early variety like Arka Neelachal Kesari in obtaining higher market price and also realized that post-harvest management would further increase its value. They also expressed their willingness to avail post-harvest facilities for mango at CHES, IIHR Bhubaneswar. The program was coordinated by Dr. Kundan Kishore with the help of Mrs. Suchitra Behera, Sh. A. Das, Sh. Manoj Patnaik, and project associates.
