Ponda: In a bid to conserve, collect and popularise indigenous mango varieties of Goa, the Agriculture Department has developed a dedicated plot at the Heritage Mango Block at its Codar Agricultural Farm that now houses 126 varieties comprising 41 hybrid and Indian types as well as 30 exotic varieties.
Spread across 10,000 sqm, the dedicated plot of 55 Goan varieties will serve as a source for creating grafts to distribute among farmers across the state, said Agriculture Director Sandeep Foldessai.
“These 55 varieties have been selected based on superior taste, colour, and size,” said Foldessai. “Some were chosen from over 200 varieties showcased during the Mango Festival, while others were procured from ICAR. After identifying the best varieties, our team met the respective farmers, visited their farms, and collected tree stems to create grafts.”
Approximately four to five saplings of each variety have been planted and are being well-maintained by farm officials. The mango varieties include Bishop, Goa Alphonso, Mussarrate, Hilario, Monteiro, Reynold, Mankurad, Oval Appus, Papel, Sakri, Salgada, Chimut, Durbate, Red Par, and White Mussarrate, among others.
Foldessai stated that once the trees mature and begin flowering, the department will begin preparing grafts to produce more plants, which will then be provided to farmers as per their requirements.
