Karnataka Veterinarian Builds Gene Bank for Rare Mangoes

Karnataka has many special mangoes that grow only in particular villages and regions.

Some of these mango trees are disappearing because farms are changing and people often prefer common commercial mangoes.

Dr P Manohara Upadhya created a place called Maavu Mantapa to protect them.

He planted 600 mango trees on a 5.4-acre plot using his own savings.

Each tree represents a named local variety with its own taste or use.

Farmers and nurseries are growing more trees from old varieties so they do not disappear.

Scientists are also studying the mangoes and saving their genetic material.

These mangoes may help create crops that can better resist disease and changing weather.

Protecting them also preserves local food traditions and memories.