The 16-day mango exhibition and sales fair organised by the Department of Horticulture in Koppal concluded on Wednesday after recording a business turnover of more than ₹3.30 crore, setting a new benchmark for the annual event.

The 10th edition of the mango fair, organised from May 12 to May 27 on the office premises of the Joint Director of Horticulture in Koppal, attracted thousands of visitors and provided a direct marketing platform for mango growers from across the district.

Farmers sold over 350 tonnes of mangoes of different varieties during the fair.

Officials said that the fair witnessed an overwhelming response despite intense summer heat and intermittent rain, with consumers appreciating the availability of naturally ripened mangoes at reasonable prices.

The event also benefited farmers affected by reduced exports this year due to the ongoing global situation, as the department facilitated market linkages and provided information on markets in other districts and States.

One of the major attractions of the fair was the display and sale of the premium Japanese Miyazaki mango, grown for the first time in Koppal district by farmer Nagappa Baganal of Kallatavaragera village.

About 20 kg of Miyazaki mangoes were displayed and sold at ₹3,000 per kg. The rare variety generated huge curiosity among visitors, with buyers from different districts and States making enquiries through phone calls and personal visits.

According to the department, demand for over 200 kg of Miyazaki mangoes was received during the fair, though only 20 kg was available for sale this year.

Officials said that discussions are under way with APEDA regarding export possibilities for the variety in future.

The fair also featured exhibitions of more than 200 indigenous and exotic fruit varieties, besides technical guidance for farmers on scientific and natural ripening methods.

The Horticulture Department introduced natural ethereal punch-hole ripening packets and demonstrated the use of fruit ripening chambers developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

More than 150 farmers and farmer producer organisations participated in the fair through the more than 30 free stalls.

Growers from all seven taluks of Koppal district sold more than 15 varieties of mangoes, including Kesar, Dasheri, Benishan, Rasapuri, Imam Pasand, Mallika, Totapuri and Swarnarekha.

Kesar and Dasheri varieties witnessed the highest demand among customers.

The fair also saw strong demand for the branded Koppal Kesar mango boxes and bags.

Farmers reportedly sold over 60 tonnes of Kesar mangoes packed in more than 15,000 branded boxes and bags to markets in Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Hubballi, Mangaluru and other cities.

Officials estimated that more than 60,000 people visited the fair during the 16-day period.

Joint Director of Horticulture Krishna C. Ukkund said that the fair encouraged more farmers to take up mango cultivation, especially the Kesar variety.

He added that the department is aiming to expand cultivation in more than 2,000 acres in the coming years using high-density planting and drip irrigation technologies.