OP AGNIHOTRI/Pantnagar
Adding a touch of patriotism to agricultural innovation, scientists at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) have developed a new variety of mango named ‘Sindoor’, inspired by the bravery of Indian armed forces and the recent success of Operation Sindoor. Unlike traditional mango varieties that mature in summer, the Sindoor variety ripens in autumn (September-October), making it a rare and commercially promising crop.
With its richly sweet flavor, vibrantly hued skin and aromatic essence, the fruit promises to offer a refreshing taste experience beyond the regular mango season. Senior horticulture scientist at the university AK Singh who headed the efforts to develop this variety said, “We named this variety Sindoor to honour the Indian armed forces. The fruit matures during a period when mangoes are scarcely available in the market, thus enhancing its market value and offering farmers an excellent opportunity for additional income.”
The GBPUAT vice chancellor Manmohan Singh Chauhan lauded the innovation, stating, “Sindoor is not just a mango — it symbolises the confluence of science and patriotism. This variety stands as a heartfelt tribute to the valour of our soldiers. I am confident that it will benefit farmers, fruit lovers and the mango industry at large.”
He further said that Sindoor mango reflects more than botanical excellence — it is a living tribute to the nation’s brave hearts. Its vibrant reddish hue symbolises the sacred sindoor worn on the foreheads of soldiers, representing courage, honour and sacrifice. For a mountainous State like Uttarakhand, where horticulture plays a vital role in rural livelihoods, the introduction of Sindoor could become a game-changer. It exemplifies how scientific progress, patriotic spirit and farmer welfare can converge into a single, inspiring innovation, Chauhan added.
It is worth mentioning here that GBPUAT had also played a significant role in the Green Revolution by developing and promoting high-yielding crop varieties, especially rice and wheat, along with modern farming techniques. Nobel laureate American agriculturalist Norman E Borlaug had eulogised the university as a harbinger of the Green Revolution in India.
