From Bihar to the Delhi Durbar: Find out why the Bhagalpuri ‘Jardalu Mango’ is presented to the President every year.

Bhagalpur Jardalu Mangoes: The Jardalu mango is a premium and rare variety that holds a GI (Geographical Indication) tag. Often referred to as the ‘Alphonso of North India,’ it is cultivated in Bhagalpur, Bihar.

Jardalu Mango Specialities: The mango is known as the ‘King of Fruits.’ With the arrival of summer, people eagerly enjoy famous Indian mango varieties like Hapus, Langra, and Alphonso. Today, we introduce a variety that reaches top politicians and celebrities: the famous GI-tagged Jardalu mango from Bhagalpur.

Dignitaries Across the Country to Taste It

According to a TOI report, a consignment of over 125 quintals of Jardalu mangoes is being sent to the country’s top leaders. Recipients include the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha Chairman, Chief Ministers, and other VVIPs. The report notes that the mango’s popularity surged after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised it during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program on June 1st. He highlighted that the fruit’s distinctive aroma and sweetness are instantly recognizable. Citing the Jardalu mango as an example, he illustrated how local products are successfully reaching the global market.

The TOI report further states that freshly harvested Jardalu mangoes from the Madhuban Farm in Maheshi-Tilakpur village (Sultanganj block) are being packed into plastic crates. From there, they are first transported to the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) facility at Sikandarpur in Bihta, near Patna, where officials from the Agriculture Department oversee the process. Here, the mangoes will be sorted and graded before being packed into gift boxes weighing 5–6 kg. The report further states that these gift packs will be sent to Bihar Bhawan in Delhi, from where the Bihar government will distribute them to dignitaries.

A Tradition Dating Back to 2007

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar initiated this tradition in 2007. Upon tasting the Zardalu mango for the first time, he was captivated by its flavor. Since then, the Bihar government—under the supervision of the Bhagalpur district administration and the Agriculture Department—has been sending Zardalu mangoes to Bihar Bhawan in New Delhi annually. The objective is to showcase the GI-tagged Zardalu mangoes at the highest levels. When dignitaries holding high office appreciate the fruit, it brings new recognition to the local farmers of Bhagalpur and paves the way for large-scale access to international markets.

What is a GI Tag?

GI stands for Geographical Indication. It can be viewed as a form of legal certification awarded to specific products from a particular city or state—such as Nagpur oranges, Darjeeling tea, or Bhagalpur’s Zardalu mangoes. These are products whose quality is intrinsically linked to the soil and climate of their region of origin. A GI tag prohibits the sale of counterfeit versions of the product. This benefits farmers and small-scale producers in that specific geographical region by increasing their earnings and facilitating the export of their products to international markets.