prepared from the pulp of raw mangoes, sugar and water — is cooling and delicious, and can prevent heatstroke. Mangoes are also used to make a variety of pickles.
Mangoes have therapeutic properties. They improve one’s digestive function and increase blood circulation. Ayurveda recommends ripe mangoes for those suffering from rheumatic disorders as well as cold and cough, as mangoes are believed to reduce the secretion of phlegm. Others, however, opine that those having fever, cold, cough, asthma and diarrhoea should avoid mangoes. It must also be kept in mind that excessive consumption of mangoes can lead to indigestion, loss of appetite and gastric problems. Mangoes help in the healthy formation of epithelium and thereby prevent frequent attacks of common infections such as colds, rhinitis, sinusitis and others. Taken with honey, mangoes are a good general tonic for all age groups.
Among Hindus, the mango tree and mango leaves are seen as signs of good luck and prosperity. Mango leaves are used for decorations during religious festivals and weddings. The Poorna Kumbha is a

pot filled with water and topped with fresh mango leaves and a coconut. It is regarded as a symbol of prosperity and happiness because mango leaves symbolise life.
In spite of accounting for 2/3rd of the world’s mango production, exports of mangoes from India are meagre and confined mostly to the Alphonso varieties. Western markets have gradually grown to appreciate Indian mangoes, but there is a long way to go, especially when compared to the quantities of the fruit exported from the Caribbean, Mexico, the Philippines and other countries.
One of the reasons for this situation is the lack of an efficient collection and marketing system. The actual producer realises only 30% of the final price. The middleman takes a lion’s share of the price for the services rendered, over which he has a monopoly. With greater incentives to the cultivators, a good co-operative based collection and marketing system and international promotion for Indian varieties, the mango can develop into a profitable cash crop and a foreign exchange earner. But this requires efforts from all fronts in order to give the king of fruits its rightful place.

Bhavan's Journal,May 15, 2022∎ 33