NABARD’s annual mango festival begins at Bhubaneswar

New Delhi: The much-awaited Annual Mango Festival commenced recently at the NABARD Regional Office Campus at Nayapalli in Bhubaneswar, bringing the best of Odisha’s mangoes. The festival is being held from 10 to 12 June 2025.

The Mango Festival is part of NABARD’s flagship Tribal Development Fund (TDF) initiative, which began in 2003-04 to promote small orchard-based livelihoods—the Wadi—among tribal families. Mango cultivation, central to this effort, has transformed degraded lands into income-generating assets.

The Wadi initiative has transformed the lives of over 57,000 tribal families in 83 projects across 23 districts in the state. Moreover, NABARD is actively promoting mango exports from Odisha through a collaborative initiative known as “Export Pathshala”. In May 2025 itself, two FPOs from Titilagarh in Bolangir district successfully exported 50 quintals of mangoes to Europe.

Better Price Realization and Market Access for Farmers

This festival is not just a display of fruit—it is a strategic platform for ensuring better price realization for mango growers. By connecting farmers directly with urban consumers, it eliminates middlemen, offering fairer prices and instant feedback on produce quality.

“This festival is not just about showcasing fruit but celebrating the transformation mango cultivation has brought to thousands of tribal families,” said Shri Sanjay Kumar Talukdar, CGM NABARD. “It reflects our mission to enhance rural incomes and build sustainable livelihoods through stronger market linkages.”

Wider Reach: From Local Stalls to Global Shelves

This year’s event features over 50 participants from 20 FPOs and representatives from various TDF project areas. The mangoes—grown naturally and with care—are now reaching urban markets and international buyers.NABARD has roped in Palladium as the organizing partner for the event.

Mangoes on Display: A Taste of Diversity and Tradition

The festival features a vibrant variety of mangoes including: Amrapalli, Dussehri, Langda, and other local favourites. Farmers/farmer collectives, participating with great zeal and encouragement, are sharing not only their produce but also their stories—of tradition, resilience, and pride.

With Odisha emerging as a mango-growing hub with unique varieties and growing global appeal, the Mango Festival is a step toward realizing its full market potential.