Anwar Ratol
The
Rataul mango, revered for its incredible sweetness and unique aroma, holds a prominent place in the mango-growing traditions of South Asia. The origin of this variety is steeped in history and regional pride, with its roots tied to the village of
Rataul, near Delhi in Uttar Pradesh, India. Over time, it also became immensely popular in Pakistan, especially in the Punjab province, leading to a fascinating legacy shared by both countries.
Cultural Significance
-
India
In India, the Rataul mango is cherished as a symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s rich mango heritage. It is often celebrated at local mango festivals and remains a sought-after variety for those who enjoy traditional mango flavors.
-
Pakistan
In Pakistan, the Rataul mango has become a source of national pride. It is considered a delicacy and often appears in diplomatic exchanges and festivals.
-
A Shared Heritage
The Rataul mango exemplifies the shared agricultural and cultural history of India and Pakistan. Despite the political divide, the mango remains a unifying symbol of the region's love for this " King of Fruits ."
The Rataul Mango tree is medium in size and its trunk is erect. Its crown has a diameter of 10-12 metres on average. Fruit bearing is generally light and biennial. A well-grown tree of ten years of age yields 1.5-4 quintals per season, and the productive life of a tree extends to five decades — ushering prosperity for its owners, and fragrance and taste for all those who are privileged to partake of this truly divine offering.
There are two variations of this mango:
The early season variety is fragile and prone to the climate elements. Much of the crop is destroyed by strong wind and heavy rain, but it is also the most popular and sweeter of the two varieties. Its growing season is very short - just a few weeks in May and June.
The late season variety is more stable, with a thicker skin and is less sweet. It grows in July and August.
Anwar Ratol was first cultivated near
Rataul, a village in
Uttar Pradesh. Sheikh Mohd Afaq Faridi, a Muslim farmer returned to the village after completing his inter college in 1905, he noticed a young mango tree near one of the farms. He asked a gardener to
Graft the plant, and in a year's time, four mango trees sprouted. Years later, Afaq Faridi resigned from his job and devoted his life to this ‘sweet mission’. After his marriage, he set up a mango nursery that he called Shohra-e-afaq in 1928 and got it registered in 1935. He named this mango variety Anwar Rataul, now popularly known simply as the Rataul mango. In 1947, someone took sample plants to Pakistan and planted this mango breed in the Multan region. The variety became famous, and symbol of pride for Pakistan.
