New Delhi: The 18th Bharat Mango Festival, held at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi and organized by Kanpur MP Ramesh Awasthi, received a commendation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his letter, which was shared during the event, Modi highlighted the festival as a remarkable instance of agricultural innovation and empowerment for farmers. He emphasized that such events foster agricultural diversity and enhance farmers' incomes by improving access to marketing and technology.

Modi pointed out that initiatives like this align with government programs such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and e-NAM, which aim to provide direct financial assistance and facilitate online trading for farmers, thereby minimizing the role of intermediaries and enhancing transparency in agricultural dealings.

The festival originated from an initiative by Ramesh Awasthi 18 years ago, aimed at providing mango growers with a national platform. Initially focused on showcasing mango diversity, it has evolved to include access to university research, cold-chain logistics, and buyer-seller connections. Over the years, the event has transformed from a regional exhibition into a national forum featuring over 350 mango varieties and structured sessions for farmers, while consistently honoring farmers annually.

This year, the festival was inaugurated by Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, with participation from various Union ministers and MPs from different political parties. Previous editions have seen attendance from ministers across various portfolios and even foreign diplomats, showcasing the festival's growth into a significant agricultural public forum that includes cultural programming and farmer awards.

More than 18 Union ministers attended the festival, including notable figures such as BL Verma, Ramdas Athawale, and Anurag Thakur, along with over 200 MPs from various parties. The event also attracted prominent personalities from diverse fields, including cinema, literature, and spirituality, enriching the gathering with cultural segments featuring artists like poet Kumar Vishwas and singer Ankit Tiwari.

Organizers showcased over 350 varieties of mangoes, including Dasheri, Chausa, and Alphonso. The 'Modi Mango' garnered significant attention for its unique color and aroma, symbolizing a blend of traditional cultivation with modern branding. A farmer recognition ceremony honored over 50 cultivators from states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, many of whom are noted for their organic farming practices and export initiatives. The festival included sessions connecting farmers with horticultural researchers and agricultural universities, focusing on storage, quality, and market access, along with practical demonstrations on cold-chain logistics and pest management.

A millet-themed community lunch was also part of the program, aligning with the national 'Shree Anna' movement promoted by the Prime Minister during the UN's International Year of Millets in 2023. This initiative positions millets as nutritious, climate-resilient crops that can enhance farmer incomes and reduce costs. The festival's millet service aimed to raise awareness about these crops and their potential role in sustainable farming practices.

A letter from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was shared, commending the festival as a representation of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat.' Awasthi remarked that the Prime Minister's recognition belongs to all farmers whose efforts sustain the nation, emphasizing the festival's goal of keeping farmer voices central to policy and market discussions, building on 18 years of connecting rural producers with urban opportunities and expert knowledge.