For mango connoisseurs, the arrival of summer heralds the reign of a king—the Dasheri Mango. Known in Hindi as दशहरी आम (Dasheri Aam), this variety is more than just a fruit; it is a cultural icon, a symbol of summer’s generosity, and a testament to India’s rich agricultural heritage. Its story is beautifully intertwined with the modern push towards sustainable agriculture, championed by initiatives like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
The Regal Legacy of Dasheri
The origins of the Dasheri mango are as rich as its taste, tracing back to a 200-year-old mother tree in a village near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Every Dasheri mango tree since is a grafted descendant of this ancient progenitor. What sets it apart is its unmistakable identity: an elongated, slightly curved shape, a vibrant yellow skin that blushes with red, and a fiberless, bright orange pulp that is impossibly sweet and aromatic. The Dasheri mango season, typically from mid-June to July, is a period eagerly awaited by millions.
This mango doesn’t just represent taste; it represents a way of farming. The orchards where these trees flourish are increasingly becoming showcases for eco-friendly practices, aligning with the broader goals of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture. The NMSA isn’t just about increasing yield; it’s about promoting integrated farming, water efficiency, and soil health to ensure that future generations can still enjoy this royal treat.
Cultivating Royalty: Organic vs. Natural Farming
How a Dasheri mango is grown profoundly impacts its flavor, the environment, and the farmer’s livelihood. This is where understanding the critical difference between organic farming and natural farming becomes essential. While both reject synthetic chemicals, their philosophies and methods are distinct.
Organic Farming is a system of agriculture that uses fertilizers and pest control derived from natural sources. Think compost, vermicompost, neem-based pesticides, and certified organic inputs. It involves active human management—tilling the soil, weeding, and applying these approved external inputs. A Dasheri mango grown organically is free from chemical residues, making it a healthier choice and often commanding a premium in the market. However, the cost of acquiring large quantities of organic manure and the certification process can be a barrier for some farmers.
Natural Farming, on the other hand, is a step beyond. The core principle is to emulate a forest ecosystem. There is no tilling, no weeding, and absolutely no external inputs—not even organic ones. Instead, it relies on:
- Bijamrita:Â Seed treatment using native cow dung and urine.
- Jeevamruta:Â A fermented microbial culture made from cow dung, urine, jaggery, and flour to enhance soil life.
- Mulching:Â Covering the soil with straw or biomass to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Intercropping:Â Growing complementary plants together to promote biodiversity.
The difference between natural & organic farming is stark: organic farming substitutes chemicals with natural inputs, while natural farming eliminates external inputs altogether. For a Dasheri mango orchard, natural farming means lower costs for the farmer and an ecosystem that is entirely self-sustaining, relying on the power of native cows and local biomass.
The Future of the Royal Fruit
The choice between organic vs natural farming for cultivating Dasheri Mango (the common English name) isn’t just an agricultural decision; it’s a cultural and economic one. The NMSA supports both paths by promoting resource conservation and soil health management, empowering farmers to choose the method that best suits their land and ethos.
As we savor the exquisite, honeyed sweetness of a Dasheri Aam, we are not just enjoying a fruit. We are partaking in a legacy. We are supporting a system that values the health of the soil, the well-being of the farmer, and the purity of our environment. It is a royal treat in every sense, offering a taste of summer that is as sustainable as it is delicious.