Mango farming in India is far more than a seasonal occupation — it is a vital livelihood for millions of farmers and a cherished cultural legacy passed down through generations. From the renowned orchards of Malihabad in Uttar Pradesh to the coastal groves of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, mango cultivation spans nearly every region of the country, each contributing its own unique flavor and tradition to India’s mango story.
Yet, not all mangoes are created equal. Over centuries, trade, commerce, and evolving industry demands have shaped which varieties thrive in markets both local and global. Some command premium prices in export markets, while others dominate regional mandis or fuel thriving juice and pulp industries.
In the face of climate change, increasing water scarcity, and volatile market conditions, choosing the right mango variety has become more critical than ever. Profitability, resilience, and consumer demand now guide farmers' choices more than tradition alone.
India’s Top 10 Mango Varieties to Boost Earnings
With insights drawn from production data, consumer preferences, and farmer experiences across India, the following are the top 10 mango varieties best positioned for success in today’s changing landscape:
1. Alphonso (Hapus) –Gold Standard
Alphonso, which is also considered the "King of Mangoes," is the most elite export variety of mango grown in India. It is mainly cultivated in the coastal region of Maharashtra, particularly Ratnagiri and Devgad, but it also flourishes in Karnataka and Gujarat.
It is famous for its rich creamy pulp, alluring fragrance, and excellent shelf life. Alphonso mangoes sell at between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,500 per dozen in countries outside India like the Middle East, Europe, and America. Due to its superior taste, it is in much demand for processing into pulp, ice creams of gourmet quality, and luxury desserts. Alphonso trees are, however, vulnerable to unseasonal rain during flowering and need well-drained laterite soil. Konkan farmers have adopted protective netting and rain shields to counter these weather-related challenges.
2. Dasheri – The Sweet Legend
Dasheri is one of the oldest and most popular mango varieties in India. It is mainly cultivated in the Malihabad and Lucknow districts of Uttar Pradesh, and some areas of Bihar and Punjab. It is cherished for its pulp-free flesh, sweet flavor, and velvety texture, which makes it a popular choice for fresh eating and juice making.
Dasheri mangoes of varying qualities can be sold between Rs. 200 and Rs. 600 per dozen. Though the variety has good local market demand, it needs regular irrigation and is susceptible to fruit fly. Progressive growers tend to intercrop Dasheri orchards with guava or papaya to make best use of land and earn early returns while waiting for the mango trees to grow.
3. Langra – The Pride of North
Langra is a mango cultivar rooted deeply in North Indian culture. It is particularly grown in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi and Mirzapur districts, and also grown in Bihar and West Bengal. It is cherished for its distinctive tangy-sweet taste and sells well in local markets, typically earning between Rs. 150 to Rs. 400 per dozen.
One of the strong points is that it can survive moderate drought conditions, thus being perfect for semi-arid regions.However, they are prone to fungal infections such as anthracnose during spells of high humidity.Pruning at the right time and neem-based organic sprays have proven to cut down significantly on fungal occurrences.
4. Kesar – The Saffron-coloured Mango
Kesar as name suggests due to its saffron-colored pulp. It is a high-export variety cultivated in Gujarat's Junagadh and Saurashtra areas. Its distinct sweetness and aroma make it extremely in demand for pulp, juice, and ice cream production.
Kesar mangoes are usually sold for Rs. 300 to Rs. 800 per dozen, particularly in Middle East markets. The semi-arid climate of Gujarat is well suited to Kesar, but it needs to be efficiently smart water management. Farmers here employ drip irrigation systems and mulching techniques for soil conservation and enhancing yield in dry weather.
5. Banganapalli (Benishan) – The South's Giant
Banganapalli or Benishan is a large sized mango variety that is extensively cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Banganapalli mangoes weigh between 500 grams and 1 kilogram per mango and are suitable for both fresh use and processing.
In South India, Banganapalli mangoes are a family favorite and sell between Rs. 200 and Rs. 500 per dozen. Though it is a yield-bearing variety, it will suffer from fruit drop if not handled well. Spraying with calcium and boron foliars when the fruit is developing will cure this condition to a large extent and maintain high fruit retention.
6. Chausa – The Late-Season Winner
Chausa is a late-season variety and is harvested around the months of July and August, when all other mangoes have vanished from the market. This period gives farmers of Chausa from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana access to better prices, which vary between Rs. 150 to Rs. 400 per dozen.
It is renowned for its strong sweetness and pulpy flesh. The only difficulty with Chausa is that it has a tendency to bear irregularly, particularly in young trees. Improved consistency in yields have been reported by farmers through regular pruning and optimum application of organic and chemical fertilizers.
7. Amrapali – The Marginal Farmers Choice
Amrapali is a hybrid mango variety best suited for high-density planting and hence a great opportunity for small and marginal farmers in India. With its compact canopy and dwarf growth characteristics, farmers can grow more than 1,000 trees per acre.
Amrapali produces around 16 to 18 tonnes per acre and fetches Rs. 200 to Rs, 500 per dozen. However the trees need to be pruned from time to time to ensure their shape and yield. For optimal land use, most farmers also intercrop with short-duration vegetables for increased profitability overall.
8. Neelam – The Drought-Tolerant Variety
Neelam is a strong variety of mango that is cultivated widely in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana. It is best cultivated in areas of low rainfall and works extremely well under poor weather conditions as well.
Though the size is less than that of Alphonso or Banganapalli, Neelam retails consistently from Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 per dozen in South Indian markets. Due to its hardness and ability to withstand difficult conditions, it is a farmer-friendly variety where limited water sources are available. Organic cultivation has increased the quality and marketability of Neelam mangoes.
9. Himsagar – The Bengal Favorite
Himsagar is an early-maturing, short-season variety and is preferred in Odisha and West Bengal. It is adored for its smooth sweetness, excellent texture, and low fiber, which makes it very popular in the local markets. Himsagar mangoes usually fetch between Rs. 150 to Rs. 400 per dozen.
Short shelf life is one of the chief constraints of this variety. To counter this, most FPOs and farmer collectives have invested in cold storages to increase the marketing season and minimize post-harvest losses.
10. Totapuri – Processing King
Totapuri is cultivated extensively in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu and is the backbone of the mango processing industry in India. With its beak-shaped tip and fibrous pulp, Totapuri is unsuitable for direct fresh consumption but becomes very popular for extraction of the pulp and manufacturing of the juice.
Growers have a steady bulk contract from food processing units at about Rs. 50 to Rs. 150 per kilogram. Contract farming has become a dependable model of business for Totapuri growers with assured income and minimal market risk.
How to Select the Right Mango Variety for Your Farm
The initial step in choosing a mango cultivar is to understand your region's climate. Wet areas like West Bengal and Kerala are suitable for Langra and Himsagar, while arid regions such as Gujarat and Rajasthan are well-suited for Kesar and Neelam. Rainy areas along the coastal belts, like the Konkan belt, are ideal for Alphonso, provided that farmers take precautions to protect the blossoms.
Next, consider your target market. If you plan to export your fruit, Alphonso and Kesar offer the best returns. For the domestic retail market, Dasheri, Langra, and Banganapalli are good options. If your goal is to supply the food processing sector, Totapuri and Kesar are the best choices.
Your farming method is also important. Amrapali is ideal for smallholders using high-density planting, whereas Alphonso and Banganapalli are better suited for large, conventional orchards. If you prefer a low-maintenance variety, Neelam provides drought tolerance along with consistent fruiting.
Mango Farming Can Be Highly Profitable. India is the largest producer of mangoes in the world, and the scope for the mango farmers is huge. With selective choice of variety, proper irrigation at the right time, efficient orchard management, and marketing linkage, the farmers can earn up to Rs. 10 lakh per acre per annum. Your mango orchard planted today can be a source of good living for generations to come.
