Horticulture — Mango, Potato & Vegetables
Mango varieties, potato production, vegetable cultivation, guava, amla, floriculture, and National Horticulture Mission in UP for UPSSSC AGTA exam.
Introduction
Uttar Pradesh is the largest fruit and vegetable producing state in India. The state's diverse agro-climatic conditions support cultivation of tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate horticultural crops. Mango and potato are the flagship products, but guava, amla, banana, and a wide range of vegetables also thrive across the state.
Mango — King of Fruits, Crown of UP
UP is the #1 mango-producing state in India, contributing approximately 23-25% of the national output.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| National rank | 1st |
| Production | ~4.5 million MT |
| Mango capital | Malihabad (Lucknow district) |
| Major growing areas | Lucknow, Saharanpur, Varanasi, Hardoi, Pratapgarh |
| Season | May-July (harvesting) |
Famous Mango Varieties of UP
| Variety | Origin / Region | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Dasheri | Malihabad, Lucknow | GI-tagged; most popular UP variety |
| Langra | Varanasi | Fibreless, intense flavour |
| Chausa | Hardoi | Late-season, extremely sweet |
| Safeda (Banganapalli) | Western UP | Mild flavour, export-grade |
| Totapuri | Limited in UP | Used for pulp and processing |
| Ratol | Baghpat | Small, aromatic, premium variety |
Dasheri mango from Malihabad received a GI (Geographical Indication) tag, certifying its unique origin and quality. The National Mango Festival is held annually in Delhi to promote varieties from UP and other states.
Mango Export
UP exports mangoes to the Middle East, Europe, and USA. The irradiation facility at Lucknow helps meet phytosanitary requirements for international shipments.
Potato — UP's Volume Champion
Already covered in Lesson 87, potato deserves repeated emphasis given its horticultural importance.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| National rank | #1 — produces ~35% of India's potato |
| Production | ~18-20 million MT |
| Key belt | Agra, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Firozabad, Etawah |
| Cold storage | ~2,500 units (largest in India) |
| Varieties | Kufri Bahar, Kufri Pukhraj, Kufri Chipsona |
The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) station at Modipuram (Meerut) develops varieties suited to UP's plains.
Guava (Amrud)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| National rank | Among top 3 states |
| Key district | Prayagraj (Allahabad) |
| Famous variety | Allahabad Surkha — GI-tagged |
| Other areas | Lucknow, Varanasi, Farrukhabad |
| Characteristics | Pink-fleshed, aromatic, vitamin C-rich |
Allahabad Surkha guava is one of the most prized guava varieties globally, known for its pinkish-red flesh and distinctive flavour. It holds a GI tag.
Amla / Aonla (Indian Gooseberry)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| National rank | UP is #1 in amla production |
| Key district | Pratapgarh — #1 amla-producing district in India |
| Other areas | Lucknow, Varanasi, Amethi |
| Products | Murabba, candy, pickle, amla powder, juice |
| Variety | Chakaiya, NA-7, Kanchan |
Pratapgarh has developed an entire amla-based processing industry, with hundreds of small units producing murabba and candy for domestic and export markets.
Banana (Kela)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Key districts | Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Maharajganj |
| Varieties | Malbhog, Harichal, Grand Naine (tissue culture) |
| Season | Year-round availability; planting mainly in June-July |
| Uses | Fresh fruit, religious offerings, chips |
Eastern UP has a traditional banana-growing belt, and tissue culture plantation is expanding production.
Vegetable Production
UP ranks among the top 3 vegetable-producing states in India.
| Vegetable | UP's Position | Key Districts |
|---|---|---|
| Potato | #1 | Agra, Farrukhabad |
| Onion | Top 5 | Aligarh, Mathura, Agra |
| Tomato | Top 5 | Varanasi, Jaunpur, Lucknow |
| Cauliflower | Top 3 | Meerut, Ghaziabad, Varanasi |
| Cabbage | Top 5 | Western UP |
| Green Pea | #1 | Jhansi, Varanasi, Lucknow |
| Brinjal | Top 3 | Eastern UP, Varanasi |
| Chilli | Significant | Bundelkhand, eastern UP |
Floriculture
Flower cultivation is an emerging horticultural sub-sector in UP.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Key centres | Kannauj, Lucknow, Ghazipur |
| Major flowers | Marigold, rose, jasmine, tuberose |
| Uses | Religious offerings, garlands, perfume extraction, export |
| Kannauj specialty | Rose petals for attar (perfume) distillation |
| Ghazipur | Traditional rose water (gulab jal) production |
National Horticulture Mission (NHM)
The National Horticulture Mission (now under MIDH — Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) provides financial support for horticulture expansion in UP.
| Component | Support |
|---|---|
| New orchards | Subsidy for planting material |
| Protected cultivation | Polyhouse and shade-net subsidies |
| Post-harvest infrastructure | Cold rooms, ripening chambers, pack houses |
| Processing units | Capital subsidy for fruit processing |
| Organic certification | Assistance for organic farming clusters |
Key Takeaways
- UP is #1 in mango production — Malihabad (Lucknow) is the mango capital; Dasheri has a GI tag
- Other famous varieties: Langra (Varanasi), Chausa (Hardoi), Ratol (Baghpat)
- Allahabad Surkha guava (GI-tagged) from Prayagraj is globally renowned
- Pratapgarh is India's #1 amla-producing district
- UP has the largest cold storage network (~2,500 units) supporting potato trade
- Floriculture centres: Kannauj (attar roses), Ghazipur (rose water)
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Product | UP Rank | Key Location | Special Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mango | 1st | Malihabad, Lucknow | Dasheri — GI-tagged |
| Potato | 1st | Agra, Farrukhabad | 35% of India's output |
| Guava | Top 3 | Prayagraj | Allahabad Surkha — GI-tagged |
| Amla | 1st | Pratapgarh | #1 amla district in India |
| Banana | Significant | Varanasi, Gorakhpur | Eastern UP belt |
| Green Pea | 1st | Jhansi, Varanasi | Fresh + dried |
| Floriculture | — | Kannauj, Ghazipur | Rose attar, gulab jal |
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