The 2nd Mango Summit & Symposium which was held in Bardibas on 7 August recognized Madhesh Province, as the nation’s Mango Hub. The event marked signals a strategic push to significantly boost Nepal’s mango production, enhance its value chain, and strengthen its global market competitiveness.
Moreover, the summit served as an important platform, uniting a diverse array of stakeholders, including farmers, dedicated researchers, insightful policymakers, and dynamic private sector partners.
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) and the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives (MoLMAC), Madhesh Province had voiced for need of collaborative efforts. Likewise, ICIMOD, FAO, CDAFN, R&D Innovative Solution, GeoKrishi, and the Nepal Horticulture Society extended supports highlighting a unified vision for agricultural advancement.
The 2nd Mango Summit & Symposium generated some encouraging results.
Madhesh Province was recognized as the undisputed Mango Hub of Nepal, a designation reflecting its significant contribution (accounting for over 70% of the country’s total mango production) and immense potential.
The province boasts ideal conditions for mango cultivation, characterized by favourable temperatures (24 – 27°C), adequate rainfall (890 – 1,015 mm), and fertile soil, particularly in the southern lowlands, the Terai region.
The event fostered robust engagement among governmental agencies, international development organizations, private sector investors, and local farmers, creating a holistic approach to sector development.
A strong pledge was made by the government to provide comprehensive policy, technical, and financial assistance, crucial for strengthening the entire mango value chain, from cultivation to market.
This aligns with Madhesh Province’s “Feed the Nation” policy, which also focuses on promoting diverse agricultural produce.
A significant emphasis was placed on adopting sustainable and inclusive farming practices. This includes a focus on climate-resilient agriculture to ensure long-term productivity and mitigate the impact of changing climate patterns, a vital consideration given recent drought challenges.
The declaration of Madhesh Province as the Mango Hub signifies a forward-looking vision for greener, more inclusive, and climate-resilient agricultural growth across Nepal. With its naturally advantageous climate and fertile soil, Madhesh Province is strategically positioned to lead both national consumption and export-oriented mango production.
The summit concluded with clear and actionable commitments from both the government and all stakeholders. These commitments are geared towards advancing mango research, enhancing post-harvest processing facilities, developing efficient market linkages, and providing targeted support to smallholder farmers.
