Dasheri Mango Farming in India 2026
The sweet aromatic pride of Malihabad in UP and the first mango to win a GI tag
Overview
Dasheri, also spelt Dashehari, is a classic North Indian premium mango famous for its sweet aroma, fibreless pulp and elongated shape. It takes its name from the village of Dasheri near Lucknow, and the Malihabad belt around Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh is its heartland and is often called India's mango hub. Dasheri was the first mango variety in India to receive Geographical Indication recognition, granted in 2010. It is one of the most widely planted commercial varieties in North India and is also a parent of famous hybrids such as Amrapali and Mallika. Dasheri is loved for fresh eating, has a strong domestic market across India, and is exported from the UP belt to the Gulf and other markets.
Climate
Dasheri suits a subtropical climate with hot summers and a dry spell at flowering, as found in the Indo Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh. It needs warm sunny weather for sweetness and a frost free location, since young trees can be hurt by severe cold. Unseasonal rain, fog or hailstorm during flowering reduces fruit set and increases disease.
Soil
Dasheri does well on deep, well drained loamy and alluvial soils of the Gangetic plain with a pH around 6.0 to 7.5. Fertile alluvial soils with good moisture holding capacity give vigorous growth and good fruit. Drainage is important because the roots cannot tolerate prolonged waterlogging, so low lying flood prone fields should be avoided.
Planting & Spacing
Dasheri is propagated by grafting, mainly veneer or epicotyl grafting, on local seedling rootstock. Planting is done at the start of monsoon in pits filled with manure and topsoil. Traditional orchards use about 10 by 10 metre spacing, while high density systems use closer spacing such as 5 by 5 metres or tighter with pruning to raise early yield. Dasheri is a vigorous grower needing room or active canopy control.
Varieties
Dasheri grown in the Malihabad and Lucknow belt of Uttar Pradesh is protected under its Geographical Indication, granted in 2010 as India's first mango GI. The variety is the female or pollen parent of major IARI hybrids Amrapali and Mallika, which carry its sweetness. Buyers seeking authentic premium Dasheri should look for the Malihabad UP origin.
Care & Management
Dasheri needs balanced manuring with farmyard manure and NPK, irrigation in dry spells especially at fruit development, and pruning to manage its vigorous canopy. The variety can show alternate bearing, so good nutrition, flowering management and pest control help even out yield. Mulching conserves moisture, and protecting panicles from hopper and mildew is important for quality.
Pests & Diseases
Dasheri faces mango hopper at flowering, mealybug, fruit fly, stem borer and mango malformation, with powdery mildew and anthracnose in humid weather. Manage hopper with recommended sprays at panicle emergence, use methyl eugenol traps and remove fallen fruit for fruit fly, band trunks for mealybug, prune out malformed panicles, and apply wettable sulphur with good orchard sanitation for fungal disease.
Yield & Harvest
Grafted Dasheri trees usually start bearing in about 4 to 6 years and reach good yields by year 8 to 10. The season is mainly June to July in the UP belt. Old Dasheri trees can yield heavily but show alternate bearing, so a strong year may be followed by a lighter one. Plan yields as a range and manage nutrition to reduce off years.
Cost & Profit
Grafted Dasheri saplings are inexpensive, and it is one of the most reliable commercial mangoes in North India. Prices are moderate to good and vary with grade, season and supply, with early and well graded fruit fetching more. GI Malihabad Dasheri can earn a premium with branding. Treat income as a range that depends on yield, alternate bearing and market timing, and budget for several years to establishment.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Dasheri has a very large domestic market across North India and metros and is one of the most recognised table mangoes in the country. It is exported from the UP belt to the Gulf and other markets, and the GI status of Malihabad Dasheri supports branding. Buyers include wholesale mandis, retailers, online sellers and exporters, with quality grading raising returns.
Subsidy & Support
Dasheri growers can use MIDH and National Horticulture Board support for new orchards, high density planting, drip irrigation and post harvest units such as ripening chambers and pack houses. Uttar Pradesh horticulture schemes and the Mango Pack House and export facilities around Lucknow also help growers. Assistance is a share of approved cost through the state horticulture department, so apply before planting and keep bills.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
Where does Dasheri mango come from?
Was Dasheri the first mango to get a GI tag?
When is Dasheri mango season?
Which famous hybrids come from Dasheri?
Does Dasheri show alternate bearing?
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