The ICAR and IISR Kozhikode has entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement for the cultivation of its improved mango ginger variety– IISR Amrit in Gujarat. The license for the new Mango ginger variety has been granted to Limkheda Taluka Mahila Bagayat Sahkari Mandali Ltd, a cooperative society focused on empowering women farmers through collective strength in agriculture. The licensing of IISR Amrit was supported under the Project on Improvement of Spice Value Chains at IISR, funded by the Tata Trusts.
Significance of Mango Ginger Variety in Indian Kitchens
Mango ginger (Curcuma amada) holds a special place in Indian Kitchen’s and primarily in Gujarat’s kitchens, commonly used in pickles, chutneys, and salads for its raw-mango-like flavour. Further, it also possesses health benefits and is valued for its antioxidant and digestive properties, making it a popular ingredient in traditional remedies. Although grown in small pockets across India, its commercial cultivation still remains limited.
IISR Amrit, a mango ginger variety was developed by IISR in 2023, and has a unique and pleasant flavour. It has an average yield capacity of 31 tonnes per hectare, significantly surpassing local cultivars, and is renowned for its refined flavour, enhanced aroma, and golden-yellow rhizomes, which have strong consumer appeal. Its higher antioxidant content further boosts its value in both food and nutraceutical sectors. Mango ginger variety is widely used in Gujarat’s rich culinary tradition, owing to its pleasant taste and aroma IISR Amrit will further provide farmers with a profitable diversification option alongside crops like ginger and turmeric, which are already familiar to them, said Dinesh, Director, -IISR. Notably, Tata Trusts which funded the licensing of IISR Amrit is facilitating adoption of the new variety by farmer collectives, ensuring that both economic and nutritional benefits reach rural communities.