Because of the growing popularity of 'appe midi' (tender mango in Kannada), the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) in Hesaraghatta will hold an exclusive 'appe midi' mango fair, with 100 types of such mangoes on show for the first time. The fair will be place on the IIHR campus in Hessarghatta on April 12 and 13.
'Appe midi' is a traditional pickling species of mango grown in Karnataka's Malnad region, particularly in Sirsi, Sagara, Siddapur, Thirthahally, Kumata, Sakleshpur, Kodagu, and Chikkamagaluru.
M. Sankaran, Principal Scientist, Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-IIHR, informed, "Appe midi mangoes have a unique position in terms of the diversity of pickling mango varieties. Appe midi is the king of all sensitive mangoes when it comes to pickle production. We decided to hold an exclusive event since there is a need for this variety of mangoes and awareness needs to be raised." At the event, the IIHR will display 100 varieties of tender mangoes conserved by the IIHR and farmed by farmers around the state.
"Custodian farmers from across the state will attend the fair, which will feature 100 appe midi mango genotypes." The pickle makers will also sell their tender mango goods. In addition, we will offer limited appe midi mango saplings to farmers," Sankaran said. According to the IIHR, pickles made from appe midi mangoes provide an exceptional culinary experience. Pickles are consumed in quantities ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes per year, amounting to 100 crore per year.
"A good quality tender mango costs 2 to 3; depending on demand and availability, the price for a quintal could reach nearly 6,000. Because the supply of appe midi satisfies only one-tenth of market demand, they are frequently mixed up with regular tender mangoes. In comparison to other markets, this one is not well-organized. Appe midi items have a high potential for marketing and need care for conservation. Sankaran noted that "the mango's unique size and taste make its pickle one of the best in the country, with its fragrance so strong that adding just a few midis to an ordinary pickle can change its taste and smell."
A wild appe midi tree can produce several tonnes of delicate mango, with characteristics differing from tree to tree. In Karnataka, 100 farm households make appe midi pickles, yielding at least 100 tonnes of pickle every year. ICAR-IIHR has so far surveyed, collected, and conserved around 250 appe midi mango accessions. According to IIHR, these mangoes have a sizable market in Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
