Bhubaneswar: Showcasing Odisha’s rich mango diversity and the growing potential of horticulture as a driver of rural prosperity, the State-Level Mango Festival 2026 was organised at the Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES) in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. The event brought together farmers, scientists, policymakers and agribusiness stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening mango cultivation and expanding market opportunities.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said Odisha must develop a distinctive identity for its mangoes to enhance their visibility in domestic and international markets. He noted that value addition, branding and improved market access could significantly increase farmers’ earnings while contributing to the state’s export potential.
The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed the importance of crop diversification for sustainable agricultural growth. Encouraging farmers to adopt high-value crops, he suggested expanding cultivation of pulses, oilseeds and fruits such as dragon fruit, which offer both economic and nutritional benefits.
“Farmers need to move beyond conventional farming practices and explore new opportunities that can improve productivity and income. The government is committed to exposing farmers to successful agricultural models and innovative practices from across the country,” he said.
The festival was jointly organised by ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, and the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Odisha. The programme focused on promoting climate-resilient horticulture, conserving biodiversity and raising awareness about the protection of agricultural land under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Sidhant Mohapatra highlighted the need to maintain a balance between agricultural expansion and environmental sustainability. He called for responsible farming practices that ensure long-term ecological health while supporting farmers’ livelihoods.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Sachin Jadhav, pointed out that Odisha has more than 2.5 lakh hectares under mango cultivation, making it one of the state’s most important horticultural crops. He emphasised the need for better post-harvest management, market linkages and scientific interventions to unlock the sector’s full potential.
ICAR-IIHR Director Prof. Tushar Kanti Behera introduced several high-yielding and improved fruit varieties developed by the institute and highlighted the role of research in supporting farmers through climate-resilient technologies and improved planting materials.
A major attraction of the festival was an exhibition featuring over 60 mango varieties, including popular local cultivars, improved Arka hybrids and exotic varieties such as Miyazaki. The exhibition provided an opportunity for farmers to interact directly with scientists and seek guidance on orchard management, pest control and productivity enhancement.
Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) from different parts of the state also participated in the festival by setting up stalls and marketing quality mangoes directly to consumers, helping strengthen farmer-market linkages.
Director of Agriculture Shubham Saxena, Director of Soil Conservation Subrat Panda, Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman and other senior officials attended the programme.
