Kesar Mango Cultivation in Aravalli's Hill Zone

While Gir (Junagadh) is the primary GI-designated zone for Kesar mango, Aravalli district's hill slopes at moderate altitude support quality mango production with similar flavour characteristics. Aravalli mango orchards planted on laterite and sandy loam hillsides produce fruit from April to June. The Kesar variety's characteristic saffron-orange flesh, low fibre, and floral fragrance develops particularly well in the diurnal temperature variation of Aravalli's hill microclimate. Mango cultivation provides a 3-4 month income peak for orchard-owning families, supplementing other crops. Women process excess mangoes into achar (pickle), aamras (sweetened mango pulp), and methiya (fenugreek-spiced raw mango pickle), extending the commercial season. The Aravalli Horticulture Development Department promotes high-density mango planting and post-harvest handling improvements to reduce the 30-40% losses that occur in traditional handling.