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India's Mango Man Grows 350+ Varieties on One Tree
12 Mar
Summary
- An 85-year-old farmer cultivated over 350 mango types on a single tree.
- He uses a precise grafting technique learned without formal education.
- His orchard features mangoes named after prominent figures like Amitabh Bachchan.
In Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh, Kalimullah Khan, affectionately known as the 'Mango Man of India,' has cultivated an extraordinary orchard featuring over 350 varieties of mangoes on a single tree. This Padma Shri awardee, who dropped out of school after failing Class 7, dedicated his life to mastering horticultural techniques through hands-on experience.
Khan's significant achievement centers on a 125-year-old mango tree, originally an Alphonso. Through meticulous grafting, he has successfully fused hundreds of diverse mango types onto its rootstock. Each grafted variety retains its unique flavor, size, and color, a testament to his precise application of this ancient art.
The varieties include popular types like Alphonso and Langra, alongside unique hybrids named after notable figures such as 'Sachin Tendulkar,' 'Amitabh Bachchan,' and 'Aishwarya Rai.' Khan explained that these names honor individuals who have inspired him. His son, Nazimullah, assists in the meticulous upkeep and experimentation, with some hybrids taking over a decade to develop.
Farmers from countries like Dubai and Iran travel to study Khan's innovative methods, which blend tradition with scientific precision. His passion for mangoes is evident, as he dreams of bringing their sweetness even to arid desert landscapes. Khan's work highlights a remarkable fusion of agricultural passion and scientific ingenuity.
