Sustainable bagging technology in mango value chain using cluster approach in Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Mango is a culturally significant and economically important crop in India, with Uttar Pradesh as the largest producing state. However, mango farmers, especially smallholders, face challenges such as pest and disease pressures, climatic impacts, and limited access to processing and marketing infrastructure. ICAR-CISH, under the Farmer FIRST Programme, implemented a cluster-based approach in Malihabad and Siyana to promote sustainable practices, including fruit bagging technology, for mango value chain enhancement. Bagging provides a protective microclimate around mango fruits, enhancing quality, reducing pesticide use, and improving suitability for export. Demonstrations in Malihabad (Dashehari variety) and Siyana (Chousa) showed that bagging increased yield, reduced fruit drop, and helped farmers achieve higher market prices. The initiative has led to increased adoption of good agricultural practices, improved mango quality, and increased farmer income, thus infusing sustainability into the mango value chain.