Indian mangoes part of mango festival in Saudi Arabia

DUBAI: More than 10 mango varieties from India are on display at a week-long mango festival in Saudi Arabia, also featuring a wide range of mango products.

Mangoes from Karnataka's Mandya district are on display during the week-long festival that ends on May 28.

"This time we are bringing the royal collection of mangoes from the royal orchards of the kings' farms. The collection includes varieties from Bada Bagh orchards," said Thariq Al-Mulhim, manager of agricultural extension department, Eastern Province.

He said the fresh stocks of mangoes of different varieties from almost all mango-producing countries were imported for the festival and leading varieties of the fruit will be on sale at highly moderate prices across Riyadh and Alkhobar.

"Special varieties like alphonso, kesar, thottapuri, badami and rajapuri are being promoted throughout the festival," said Abdul Saleem VK, regional manager of LuLu Hypermarket, host of the festival.

The festival is taking place at more than 110 outlets across the Gulf region.

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest mango importers in the world, especially from India and Pakistan. The country's agricultural ministry has been taking keen interest in developing the cultivation of mango in its Southern Region, especially in and around Jazan.