A Farmer's Vision
In the heart of India, where mangoes are more than just a fruit but a cultural obsession, Shri Kishan Suman, a dedicated farmer from Uttar Pradesh and
later Rajasthan, embarked on a quest to redefine mango availability. Dissatisfied with the seasonal constraints of traditional mangoes, Suman, who initially cultivated rice and wheat before venturing into floriculture, sought to bring his beloved fruit to consumers year-round. His journey began with an early success in cultivating multi-colored roses on a single stem, proving his aptitude for innovative grafting. This early triumph fueled his ambition to apply similar techniques to mangoes. He began experimenting with various mango varieties, meticulously nurturing saplings and grafting them onto rootstock. His persistence paid off when he discovered a tree that astonishingly flowered three times annually, a phenomenon that would soon be recognized as a groundbreaking achievement in horticulture. This discovery marked the genesis of a fruit that promised to break the annual cycle, offering a continuous supply of nature's sweet bounty.
Birth of 'Sadabahar'
Around the year 2000, Shri Kishan Suman's dedicated efforts culminated in the creation of the 'Sadabahar' mango, a variety that defied conventional fruiting patterns. This exceptional mango, named for its continuous blooming, possessed characteristics highly sought after by mango enthusiasts. It was a dwarf variety, making it more manageable for cultivation, and notably resistant to common diseases, a significant advantage for farmers. Taste-wise, 'Sadabahar' was compared favorably to the highly prized Alphonso, offering a rich, fibre-free pulp and a delightful saffron-orange hue. Unlike other perennial varieties such as Baramasi or Dofasli, 'Sadabahar' distinguished itself through its superior table quality, making it a truly premium offering. Suman's innovation didn't go unnoticed; through the Honey Bee Network and a volunteer named Sundaram Verma, his discovery reached the National Innovation Foundation (NIF). Following NIF's guidance, Suman abstained from propagating the saplings for eleven years while extensive nationwide testing was conducted to validate the 'Sadabahar' mango's unique properties and potential.
Recognition and Accolades
The revolutionary 'Sadabahar' mango, a product of Shri Kishan Suman's ingenuity, eventually garnered national recognition and accolades. In March 2017, his pioneering work was celebrated with the prestigious Farm Innovation Award presented at Rashtrapati Bhavan during the National Innovation Foundation's 9th Biennial Grassroots event. This award was a testament to his significant contribution to agricultural innovation. The 'Sadabahar' variety has even found a place in the gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan, growing in Amrit Udyan, a symbol of its esteemed status. Furthermore, the unique traits of 'Sadabahar' were officially acknowledged and protected under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act. While traditional mango trees typically require about five years to bear fruit, the exceptional qualities of 'Sadabahar' make the cultivation journey, and the wait, entirely worthwhile, promising a continuous harvest of this extraordinary fruit.
