Raipur: Raipur’s Indira Gandhi Agricultural University has launched the three-day “National Mango Festival 2026,” bringing together farmers, experts, and dignitaries to celebrate India’s rich horticultural diversity. The festival was inaugurated by Governor Ramen Deka in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The event highlights over 250 varieties of mangoes, including rare and exotic species, reflecting the country’s agricultural richness and the hard work of farmers.
Governor Ramen Deka Inaugurates Mango Exhibition
Governor Ramen Deka officially inaugurated the festival, which showcases a wide range of mango varieties from across India, including participation from five states.
The exhibition features both indigenous and foreign mango varieties, offering a platform for farmers to present their produce and connect with new market opportunities.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Highlights Importance of Mango Cultivation
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai extended greetings to mango lovers and appreciated the efforts of farmers and agricultural institutions.
He noted that the festival includes around 250 mango varieties, ranging from the smallest to the largest types, including the famous “Hathijhool” mango cultivated in Bijapur, which can weigh between 2.5 to 3 kilograms.
Calling mango the “king of fruits,” the Chief Minister emphasized its role in increasing farmers’ income and boosting agricultural exports. He also urged stakeholders to enhance mango exports through better coordination between agricultural universities and horticulture departments.
Platform for Farmers, Innovation, and Market Opportunities
The National Mango Festival is not only a showcase of fruit diversity but also a platform for farmers to connect with new technologies, innovations, and market opportunities.
Officials stated that such initiatives help increase farmers’ income and provide new direction to the horticulture sector in the state and country.
CM Sai on Naxalism: Claims of Major Progress
Addressing the media, CM Vishnu Deo Sai stated that Naxalism is on its way to elimination in India. He said the central government, under the leadership of the Union Home Minister, has set a target to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
He credited the success to coordinated efforts of the central and state governments, security forces, and local communities, particularly in Chhattisgarh, which once accounted for a large share of Naxal-affected regions.
CM Targets Congress Over Emergency and MISABandis Issue
The Chief Minister also criticized the Congress party over its stance on the Emergency imposed in 1975, accusing it of undermining the Constitution at the time.
He said many opposition leaders were jailed for extended periods during the Emergency, causing hardship to their families. He added that the Congress has no moral right to question the state’s recognition of “MISABandis,” claiming similar practices exist in other states as well.
CM Sai further alleged that the Congress party has lost public relevance and is raising unnecessary issues due to lack of a clear agenda.
Festival Aims to Strengthen Horticulture Sector
The National Mango Festival 2026 in Raipur serves as a major platform for showcasing India’s horticultural diversity, promoting farmer empowerment, and encouraging agricultural innovation. Alongside the celebration of mango varieties, political remarks by the Chief Minister on Naxalism and governance added a broader policy and political dimension to the event coverage.
