Panchkula: The three-day 33rd Mango Mela at Yadavindra Gardens, Pinjore, concluded Sunday after drawing more than 40,000 visitors and showcasing over 200 varieties of mangoes from across the country.Addressing the closing ceremony, Haryana heritage and tourism minister Arvind Sharma described the festival as a unique blend of agriculture, culture and tourism that has earned a distinct national identity. He said the event has evolved into a national platform where progressive orchardists display diverse mango varieties while promoting horticulture and tourism.Sharma said mango is not merely a fruit but a symbol of agriculture, economy, culture and entrepreneurship. He added that the mela provides farmers an opportunity to exchange knowledge, learn modern cultivation techniques and explore new market opportunities.Highlighting govt initiatives for horticulture, the minister said Haryana provides financial assistance of up to Rs 42,000 per acre for new mango orchards, has included mango under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana and fixed a protected price for the crop. He also referred to the role of the Sub-Tropical Fruit Centre at Ladwa in promoting modern horticulture practices.During the ceremony, Sharma presented the Aam Ratna and Aam Kesari awards to progressive growers for excellence and innovation in mango cultivation.Agriculture and farmers’ welfare minister Shyam Singh Rana said the Mango Mela has emerged as an important platform for farmers to showcase and market different varieties. He announced that from next year, the festival will also feature an exhibition and sale of fruit-bearing plants, allowing visitors to buy saplings and encouraging environmental conservation.Rana also urged people to participate in the Prime Minister’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by planting a tree in their mother’s name.Haryana Tourism Corporation managing director Parth Gupta said the festival attracted over 40,000 visitors during the three days. Besides showcasing more than 200 mango varieties, the event featured cultural programmes and competitions for schoolchildren, drawing enthusiastic participation.
