Mango Man at 82 Refines Techniques for 300 Mango Varieties

In the small town of Malihabad, 82-year-old Kaleem Ullah Khan is redefining the cultivation of mangoes by integrating traditional farming techniques with innovative approaches to address the impacts of climate change. Each day, he rises before dawn and embarks on a mile-long journey to his prized mango tree, aged over 120 years, where he meticulously tends to more than 300 distinct varieties of this globally cherished fruit.

Khan, a school dropout who began his journey in mango cultivation as a teenager, has developed a deep-seated passion for grafting techniques. His enthusiasm is evident as he examines the tree’s branches, attuned to the nuances of ripeness through gentle touches and aromatic cues. "This is my prize for toiling hard in the scorching sun for decades," he reflects, embodying the dedication of a lifetime spent in nurturing his orchard.

More than just a mere tree, Khan perceives his orchard as a veritable 'mango college.' His initial foray into grafting saw him breed seven new mango types before a storm destroyed that endeavor. However, since establishing his now-cherished 120-year-old tree in 1987, Khan has cultivated a diverse range of mangoes each unique in flavor, texture, and appearance.

Among his noteworthy creations is a variety named 'Aishwarya' in homage to Bollywood actress and Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, which remains one of his most celebrated fruits. Khan describes it as weighing over a kilogram with a crimson tinge on its exterior and an exquisitely sweet taste.

Additional varieties pay tribute to figures like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Another intriguingly named variety, 'Anarkali,' is distinguished by its unique dual-layered skin and two different types of pulp, showcasing the intricacies of Khan's grafting artistry.

Khan's orchard stands tall at approximately 9 meters, providing shade and shelter from the sweltering Indian summers while offering a sensory symphony of vibrant colors and fragrances from its diverse foliage. "No two fingerprints are the same, and no two mango varieties are similar," he notes, attributing the distinct traits of his mangoes to the whims of nature.

His grafting process, however, is intricate and necessitates precision and patience. Khan carefully cuts a branch from one mango variety, creating a space for another branch to be inserted. He then secures it with tape until a strong union is formed, expected to yield a new variety in two years.

Recognized for his contributions to agriculture, Khan has garnered multiple accolades, including one of India's prestigious civilian honors in 2008. He has also been invited to share his expertise internationally in countries like Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

As the largest mango producer in the world, India accounts for 50 percent of the global mango supply, with Malihabad playing a crucial role by cultivating approximately 30,000 hectares of orchards. This region alone contributes to nearly a quarter of the national mango crop, encompassing prized varieties including the Dasheri, revered for its delectable taste.

Despite the beauty and richness of these orchards, there is growing concern among farmers regarding the adverse effects of climate change, highlighted by a devastating heatwave in 2022 that obliterated 90 percent of the local mango crop. Khan attributes the decline in mango varieties to modern farming practices, particularly the heavy use of chemical fertilizers and intensive planting methods that inhibit proper moisture retention.

Yet through these challenges, Khan remains optimistic and continues to lead a fulfilling life, immersed in the legacy of mango cultivation and its cultural heritage, a testament to both his lifelong dedication and the resilience of traditional farming practices.