Back
New Delhi
Farmers urged to minimise use of pesticides
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit at the mango festival organised by Delhi Tourism on Friday.
NEW DELHI: A three-day mango festival to celebrate the king of fruits in all its forms and varieties was inaugurated at Dilli Haat in Pitampura here by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday.
The Chief Minister said the festival was aimed at providing exposure to the domestic mango industry. It provided an informal platform to reach out to mango exports. Ms. Dikshit urged farmers to minimise the use of pesticides in agriculture.
Nearly 400 varieties of mangos including some rare kind such as Sirki, Jahangir and Neeleshwari were displayed alongside the popular Dushehari, Langra and Aphonso. It is believed that out of 1,365 varieties of mangoes available around the world, 1,000 varieties can be found in India.
Mangoes are reportedly in great demand in countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, China and the US. India is believed to contribute 50 per cent of the total mango production in the world.
The mango festival also provides an opportunity for people to purchase export quality fresh mangoes and also pickles, chutneys, juices, jelly and jam made of mango.
CompetitionsEvents such as mango-eating competitions for men and women, a mango quiz and mango slogan-writing competitions will also be organised.
© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu