What’s summer without mangoes? While the heat is gradually creeping into all our homes, the craze for mangoes among people has been gradually increasing. With Alphonso, Banganapalli, Dasheri, Kesar, Langra, and Totapuri dominating the market across the country, here is a variety that is exclusively harvested in Madhya Pradesh’s Katthiwada – Noorjahan mangoes.
Weighing between 3 to 3.5 kilograms and growing up to one foot in length, this variety has currently become the talk of the town.
Dating back to Noorjahan’s origin
This rare and magnificent variety of mangoes, named after the Mughal queen, is considered extraordinary in every sense. Centuries ago, this variety travelled all the way from Afghanistan to India through Gujarat, finding a perfect home in Madhya Pradesh. These giant fruits begin to flower around January or February, and by June, they are ready for harvest.
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Growers claim it is the unique climate, soil, and weather conditions of Madhya Pradesh that contribute to its exceptional size and quality.
The climate, soil, and weather conditions of Madhya Pradesh are suitable for growing Noorjahan mangoes
One of the key farms that has garnered fame for its Noorjahan mangoes is the Noorjahan Mango Farms in Katthiwada, managed by Shivraj Singh Jadav. “My father started this farm by planting this variety from a graft, back in 1965.” Shivraj shares.
How Noorjahan gained stardom
Noorjahan mangoes were never an unknown variety. Shivraj’s father was featured on national television between 1978 and 1981, helping the farm gain regional recognition. However, it is only in recent years that this variety has become a viral sensation, thanks to the stunning images of the giant fruit making its rounds on social media. This had led to a huge influx of visitors to the farm every year.
Noorjahan’s global reach
“A plant that my father cultivated in our backyard now has a worldwide reach,” Shivraj says. While this mango is huge in size, and it grabs one’s attention easily, its juicy, saffron-like flavour and delicate skin made it a hit in the global market. The variety is currently being exported to the US and UK.
The Noorjahan mango’s juicy, saffron-like flavour and delicate skin made it a hit
A step-by-step guide to growing Noorjahan mangoes
If you have been inspired by the size and splendour of Noorjahan mangoes and wish to have one of your own, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to nurture this rare variety. While it takes patience and the right conditions, the rewards are worth the effort.
1. Select the graft
The first step to growing Noorjahan is obtaining a graft of the variety. Shivraj’s farm is a well-known source of grafts. “I procured the graft from Shivraj’s farm a few years ago to prepare saplings. They sell very well,” says S R Thakur, a Nagpur-based nursery grower of this mango variety.
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2. Find the right location
Noorjahan mango trees need fertile and well-drained soil. They grow in regions with ample rainfall and plenty of sunlight. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, so make sure the location is optimal for growth.
Noorjahan mango trees need fertile and well-drained soil
3. Planting
Once you have your graft, plant it in the prepared soil. Space the trees sufficiently, as Noorjahan mango trees grow tall, up to 50 feet high. Proper planting ensures that the roots have ample space to spread out.
4. Watering and care
During the flowering and fruit-bearing months, the tree needs regular watering, but it’s important not to overwater. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Regularly check the tree’s health, and remove any dead or damaged branches through pruning to encourage new growth.
The tree needs regular watering during the flowering process
5. Pruning
Since Noorjahan mango trees can grow quite tall, regular pruning is essential for maintaining the tree’s shape and ensuring better fruit production. Remove excess branches that block sunlight and air circulation, which could hinder growth.
6. Harvesting
After five years of care, your Noorjahan tree will start producing fruit. The mangoes typically mature around June, and when they do, carefully harvest them by hand to prevent bruising. The fruits are large, sometimes reaching lengths of up to a foot, so handle them with care.