The Alphonso mango (Hapus) from Maharashtra’s Konkan region has earned a distinct reputation across the country. However, due to adverse weather conditions, mango production has seen a sharp decline, pushing Konkan farmers into financial distress. Meanwhile, some vendors have been falsely selling other varieties under the Alphonso label.
To address these challenges, Sanskar and Konkan Vikas Pratishthan will organize a Mango Festival at Gavdevi Ground in Thane from May 1 to 12. The organization has been hosting this festival for the past 18 years. The primary aim is to facilitate direct sales between farmers and consumers, ensuring better income for farmers and authentic produce for buyers.
Sanskar president and MLA Sanjay Kelkar said that due to rains, humid conditions, and pest attacks, mango production has been falling every year, severely impacting farmers’ livelihoods. This festival is an effort to offer some financial relief to the farmers.
45 Stalls to be Set Up at the Festival
The festival will feature 45 stalls showcasing a variety of products from the Konkan region, including Hapus, Payari, Ratna, and Kesar mangoes. Other local products like jackfruit, sherbet, cashew nuts, spices, and papad will also be available. In addition, five stalls will be dedicated to millets and another five to products made by women’s self-help groups.
Authentic Konkan Mangoes for Citizens
Festival organizer Kelkar emphasized that many city dwellers struggle to distinguish genuine Alphonso mangoes. Taking advantage of this, several sellers mislabel and sell inferior varieties at high prices, causing losses to both farmers and consumers. Through this festival, the organization aims to protect farmers from financial loss and provide citizens with authentic Konkan mangoes.
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