BAU adopts Bhagalpur village to promote Jardalu mango

Bhagalpur: Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Bhagalpur, has adopted Pansalla village in Katahara panchayat of Sultanganj block under its Village Adoption Programme (VAP) to promote the cultivation of the GI-tagged Jardalu mango. The university plans to develop the village as a dedicated Jardalu mango-growing hub, which it hopes will eventually be known as ‘Jardalu Mango Gaon’.The initiative aims to promote the distinctive mango variety of Bhagalpur, disseminate scientific horticultural practices among farmers, increase their income through mango cultivation and create new livelihood opportunities.BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh said the university had adopted nearly 108 hectares of Pansalla village, which has around 350 households and a population of about 1,500, to promote Jardalu cultivation.“The objective is to develop the village as a model for Jardalu mango cultivation, considering the favourable climatic conditions, nutrient-rich soil and willingness of local farmers to take up horticulture,” Singh said.As an initial step, BAU distributed and planted 100 Jardalu mango saplings on farmers’ agricultural land and encouraged them to take up orchard-based cultivation. Further activities under the programme would be taken up in phases, Singh said.The initiative also seeks to improve cultivation practices, promote orchard-based livelihoods and strengthen the regional identity and market reach of the GI-tagged mango variety.Tracing the variety’s history, Singh said Jardalu had been cultivated in the Bhagalpur region for more than 200 years. The tradition is associated with old mother trees and cultivation practices in villages around Sultanganj, Mahesi and the adjoining Gangetic alluvial belt.Ashok Chaudhary, popularly known as the ‘Mango Man of Bihar’, said preserving the distinct identity and quality of Jardalu mango was as important as promoting its scientific cultivation. “Farmers need access to improved production techniques. Expanding Jardalu cultivation can help raise their incomes and strengthen the agricultural identity of the region,” he said.Pansalla mukhiya Chandan Kumar and village resident and former BAU dean (agriculture) Mukteshwar Kumar welcomed the initiative, saying it would encourage farmers to set up new mango orchards and strengthen the village’s association with the Jardalu variety.Anita Kumari, senior scientist and head of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, said the collaboration between BAU and the rural community would improve farmers’ access to scientific agricultural and horticultural practices. It would also help promote horticulture-based livelihoods, enhance the recognition of Jardalu mango and strengthen the rural economy, she said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Patna | Silver Rate in Patna | Bank Holidays in Patna | Public Holidays in Patna | Patna AQI | Weather in Patna | Petrol Price in Patna | Diesel Price in Patna | CNG Price in Patna | LPG Price in PatnaStay updated with the latest Patna news. Download the TOI App.