The Farmer's Vision
Shri Kishan Suman, a 52-year-old farmer from Rajasthan, transformed his agricultural approach after facing volatile prices for traditional crops like rice and
wheat. Initially venturing into floriculture, growing roses, mogra, and thuja, he achieved a notable feat by cultivating rose plants with seven different colors on a single stem. This success with ornamental plants sparked an idea: if he could innovate with roses, why not with mangoes? He began experimenting with mango stones from various varieties, meticulously nurturing them and employing grafting techniques onto rootstock. This dedication led him to observe a particular tree that defied conventional seasonality, flowering and bearing fruit not once, but three times a year, during January-February, June-July, and September-October. This extraordinary observation marked the inception of his ambition to create an all-season mango.
'Sadabahar' Mango Emerges
Around the year 2000, Suman's persistent efforts culminated in the development of the 'Sadabahar Mango.' This distinctive variety is characterized by its dwarf stature and remarkable disease resistance, while its taste, texture, and appearance bear a striking resemblance to the prized Alphonso mango. The 'Sadabahar' is praised for its fiber-free flesh, generous size, and a rich, saffron-orange hue. Unlike other varieties that offer multiple harvests but might compromise on quality, 'Sadabahar' excels in its table quality, making it a superior choice for consumption. Word of Suman's unique creation spread through the Honey Bee Network, reaching the National Innovation Foundation (NIF). Following NIF's guidance, Suman refrained from selling or distributing saplings for eleven years while the variety underwent extensive testing nationwide. By 2012, gifted plants began yielding fruit on Kamal Hissaria's farm near Kota, confirming the 'Sadabahar' mango's exceptional, year-round fruiting capability and exquisite taste.
National Accolades and Recognition
Shri Kishan Suman's groundbreaking work with the 'Sadabahar Mango' did not go unnoticed. In March 2017, he was honored with the prestigious Farm Innovation Award at Rashtrapati Bhavan during the National Innovation Foundation's 9th Biennial Grassroots event. This recognition highlighted his significant contribution to agricultural innovation. The 'Sadabahar' mango has also found a place in the Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a testament to its unique qualities and horticultural importance. Furthermore, the variety has been officially registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, solidifying its status and protecting Suman's intellectual achievement. While mango trees typically require about five years to begin bearing fruit, the exceptional nature of the 'Sadabahar' makes the anticipation worthwhile, offering the promise of enjoying this Alphonso-like delight not just once, but thrice every year, a truly remarkable feat in the world of fruit cultivation.
