Bengaluru, 13.04.2023 - The Appemidi Mango Diversity Fair 2023 was inaugurated today by Dr. S. V. Suresha, Honourable Vice Chancellor, UAS Bengaluru at ICAR-IIHR Bengaluru. The event was graced by distinguished guests of honour, Dr. E. Sreenivas Rao, Advisor (Horticulture) to Gov of Telangana, Dr. R. Ravindra, (Regional Head, South, APEDA), and Dr. V. B. Patel, (ADG, Horticulture, ICAR).
During the event, five custodian farmers of Appemidi Mangoes were felicitated for their immense contribution to conserving the Appemidi Mangoes. The event showcased the diversity and importance of Appemidi Mangoes and highlighted the need for popularizing them to reach out to more people.
Dr. E. Srinivasa Rao stressed the relevance of Appemidi Mangoes and emphasized the need for organizing such trade fairs for market expansion. Dr. R. Ravindra appreciated the efforts of IIHR in conserving over 200 varieties of Appemidi Mangoes and mentioned the potential of introducing GI products like Appemidi to the global market through virtual buyer-seller meets.
Dr. V. B. Patel joined virtually and congratulated IIHR for organizing the fair and mobilizing farmers from South Indian states. He emphasized on the area expansion of Appemidi in the state of Karnataka to meet market demand and focus on research for product diversification.
Selected exhibitors who displayed their Appemidi products during the fair were presented with Best Stall Awards. Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director IIHR, chaired the program.
Dr. SV Suresha appreciated the efforts of IIHR scientists in preserving this important natural gift. He highlighted that Appemidi Mangoes being GI tagged, natural, and organic, through value addition, can double the income of farmers and generate off-time employment for farm women.
The Appemidi Mango Diversity Fair 2023 was a resounding success in showcasing the diversity and importance of Appemidi Mangoes and creating awareness about their potential. We hope that initiatives like these will contribute to the preservation and expansion of Appemidi Mangoes and benefit farmers and consumers alike.
