Padmashree Haji Kalimullah of Malihabad in Uttar Pradesh is waiting eagerly to introduce to mango connoisseurs his latest yet-to-be-named mango innovation, a cross between the desi 'Husn-e-Aara' and the popular Dussehri.
Good weather conditions till now has given the man a hope that he will introduce at least five new varieties of mangoes this time, provided weather remains conducive. "I crossed the flowers of the two varieties three years ago. This year, I am expecting the fruit," said Kalimullah the man who has developed more than 300 varieties of mangoes.
Here, Skymet Meteorology Division in India will try to access how the weather in this Mango growing belt of Uttar Pradesh will unfold and whether it will help in fulfilling the wishes of a man who has been awarded one of the highest civilian award for his in immense contribution in mango grafting & cultivation.
According to the latest weather update by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, Lucknow the nearest big city to this Mango growing belt of Malihabad is observing temperatures in the mid-thirties at the moment and is expected to remain in the same range, making the weather conducive for ripening of mangoes, at least till the second week of April.
However, the only worry for Kalimullah and other mango growers would be the thundery developments along with chances of rain and strong winds that take place in this part of the country during this time of the year.
Malihabad-Kakori-Maal belt, which produces famous Dussehri has about 30 to 35,000 hectare area dedicated to mango production, comprising 30-40% of annual mango production in Uttar Pradesh. It is the biggest producer of mangoes, with 90% produce being Dussehri. There are 14 to 15 mango belts in the state, said a report in the Times of India.
Photograph by Lucknow Society
